ERIE, Pa. — The Mercyhurst men's ice hockey team fell to UMass Lowell 4-3 on Saturday evening at Mercyhurst Ice Center, despite a second-period surge that saw the Lakers net three goals.
Mercyhurst (0-7-0) capitalized once on the power play, while UMass Lowell (3-3-0) secured the win with three third-period goals, including two on the power play.
The first period began with a faceoff won by UMass Lowell, setting an early tone. Mercyhurst's
Charles-Edward Gravel made several key saves, particularly during UMass Lowell's power play following a tripping penalty on
John Larkin. Despite multiple attempts, the Lakers were unable to convert their shots into goals. The teams ended the period scoreless, with the scoreboard reading 0-0.
Mercyhurst surged ahead in the second period, overcoming an early setback when UMass Lowell scored on a power play at 17:25.
Sean James quickly equalized for the Green and Blue with an unassisted goal at 16:30. Taking advantage of penalties against UMass Lowell,
John Larkin capitalized on a power play, assisted by Jacob Leblanc and
Noah Sedore, to gain the lead at 14:12. Mercyhurst further solidified their advantage with
Alexander Dimitriadis scoring an unassisted goal at 7:58, bringing the period to a close with a 3-1 lead.
The third period began with Lakers holding a one-goal lead, but UMass Lowell quickly shifted the momentum.
Tyler Nasca was penalized for hooking, leading to a power-play opportunity for UMass Lowell. The River Hawks capitalized with a power-play goal at 5:45, leveling the score at 3-3.
The River Hawks continued to press and scored an even-strength goal at 11:02, followed shortly by another power-play goal at 11:25, putting UMass Lowell ahead 4-3. Despite the Lakers' attempts to rally, including drawing a power play, they could not find the equalizer. The game concluded with a 4-3 victory for the River Hawks.
John Larkin contributed a power-play goal, scoring his first for the Green and Blue.
Sean James also found the back of the net, recording one goal to his name.
Alexander Dimitriadis scored the first of his collegiate career.
Ryan Coughlin excelled in faceoffs, winning 66 percent. Gravel made 39 total saves.
The Green and Blue hold an overall record of 0-7-0. UMass Lowell stands at 3-3-0 for the season.
The Lakers will return home Friday to take on Bentley at 7:00 p.m.
