UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women's hockey team, recently ranked number 15 in the country, traveled to Hockey Valley to face off against No. 6 Penn State. The game was physical, despite just one penalty called for each team. The Nittany Lions capitalized on their one power play early in the second, added two goals in the third, and took game one 3-0. 
 
The opening period began with Mercyhurst (3-4-0, 0-1-0 AHA) focusing on defense as the team faced a series of attempts from Penn State (7-0-0. 3-0-0 AHA). Key defensive plays were made by Makayla Javier, who blocked multiple shots throughout the evening. Magdalena Luggin made some early saves as the Lakers sustained the pressure. In the latter half of the period, the Lakers gained momentum with a power play opportunity. Although Julia Perjus and Abby Poitras managed shots on goal, Penn State's defense held firm. The period concluded with both teams failing to capitalize on their respective power play chances, leaving the score tied at 0-0.
 
The second period began with momentum swinging quickly in favor of Penn State as Tessa Janecke scored a power-play goal just eight seconds in. Throughout the period, the Lakers' defense was actively engaged, with Poitras blocking multiple shots and Luggin making several saves to keep the deficit at one. Kate Donegan and others made attempts to test the Nittany Lion's netminder but could not break through as the Lakers trailed 1-0.
 
The final frame began with the Lakers seeking to shift momentum. Penn State remained strong defensively and eventually added to their lead midway through the period. Jade Maisonneuve and Berlin Lolacher attempted to respond with shots on goal, but neither found the back of the net. Sofia Nuutinen and Poitras added attempts on net, but both were saved. The Nittany Lions added a third goal before the Lakers could pull Luggin and ended up taking game one 3-0. 
 
Game two will take place tomorrow, Oct. 18 with a 1:00 p.m. puck drop. Viewers can find live coverage on B1G+.