Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Women's Ice Hockey team capped off their series against Lindenwood with a decisive 5-2 victory on Saturday afternoon at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. The Lakers used a strong third period to pull away and secure their sixth consecutive win and fourth consecutive AHA win.
How It Happened:
Lindenwood opened the scoring midway through the first period on a power-play goal by Gigi Pora at 9:51, assisted by Morgan Neitzke and Ellie Muscedere. Mercyhurst quickly responded less than a minute later with a shorthanded goal from Thea Johansson at 10:49, tying the game at 1-1.
In the second period, Lindenwood regained the lead at 3:05 when Morgan Neitzke scored her eighth goal of the season, assisted by Molly Henderson and Zsofia Pazmandi. Mercyhurst responded late in the period, with Julia Schalin tying the game at 18:08 off assists from Megan McKay and Mary Sweetapple. McKay took a shot from the point and Schalin positioned herself in front of the net for a tip that beat the goaltender.
The Lakers dominated the third period, starting with Makayla Javier's game-winning goal at 13:03, assisted by Marielle Parks and Regina Metzler. Chantal Ste-Croix extended the lead at 17:05, with helpers from Vanessa Upson and Sweetapple. Upson sealed the win with an unassisted goal at 19:31.
Notable Performances:
Special Teams:
Mercyhurst's penalty kill played a key role, holding Lindenwood to 1-for-4 on the power play while adding a shorthanded goal.
Up Next:
Mercyhurst (13-11-1, 8-4-0 AHA) will host the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes on Tuesday. Puck drop for that game is set for 4 PM.
