Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Women's Ice Hockey team opened their 2024-25 season with a hard-fought 3-2 loss to Colgate on Friday evening at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. The Lakers led twice in the game, but Colgate rallied with a late goal in the second period and the game-winner early in the third to secure the win.
How It Happened:
The Lakers got off to an electric start, with Thea Johansson scoring just 17 seconds into the game. Assisted by Vanessa Upson and Sofia Nuutinen, Johansson's goal gave the Lakers an early 1-0 lead and got the Mercyhurst Ice Center rocking. However, Colgate quickly responded with a power-play goal from Emma Pais at 5:52 to tie the game at 1-1.
The Lakers regained the lead late in the first period when Johansson netted her second goal of the night on the power play at 16:58, with Upson and Nuutinen assisting once again. The Lakers took a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.
Colgate tied the game later in the second period, as Madeline Palumbo scored on the power play to make it 2-2 heading into the final frame.
The game-winner came at 2:47 of the third period when Kaia Malachino found the back of the net for Colgate, giving them a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish. Despite a late push from the Lakers, they were unable to find an equalizer.
Notable Performances:
Next Up:
The Lakers will look to bounce back in game two against Colgate tomorrow afternoon. Puck-drop is set for 3 PM.
