ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women's hockey team hosted #10 St. Lawrence this afternoon for game two of the series. Yesterday, there were only two total penalties in the Laker's 1-0 victory. There were 12 penalties, six for each team, in today's matchup. The Saint's special teams made the difference as two power play goals and an empty netter led them to a 3-0 win.
 
Mercyhurst (3-3-0, 0-0-0 AHA) began the first period with Regina Metzler winning the opening faceoff, setting an early tone for puck control. However, an early penalty resulted in St. Lawrence (1-3-0, 0-0-0 ECAC) taking the lead on the power play. Key defensive contributions came from Sofia Ljung and Nayeon Kim, who each blocked a shot to prevent further scoring opportunities for the Saints. The Lakers were unable to capitalize on power-play chances, with shots from players like Julia Schalin hitting the pipe and Sofia Nuutinen having her attempt saved. The first period ended with the Lakers trailing 1-0. 
 
The second frame began with the Lakers asserting early pressure, winning the initial faceoff and firing multiple shots at St. Lawrence's netminder. A tripping penalty on Mercyhurst's Kate Donegan gave St. Lawrence a power-play opportunity early in the period, but the Lakers' defense, backstopped by goaltender Magdalena Luggin, successfully killed the penalty without conceding a goal. As the period progressed, Mercyhurst continued to control the puck and created several scoring opportunities, including several power play opportunities. Neither team got on the scoresheet as the score remained 1-0 after the second. 
 
The third period began with the Lakers facing an early challenge with a penalty kill. Despite the disadvantage, goalie Luggin made continued to make key saves. Key defensive plays were made by Makayla Javier and Abby Poitras, blocking critical shots during St. Lawrence's offensive push. Midway through the period, the Lakers went on the power play again following a hooking penalty. The Saints turned away several attempts, including shots from Sofia Nuutinen and Payten Evans. Later, Mercyhurst faced another penalty situation, leading to a power-play goal by the Saints that increased the deficit.
 
As time dwindled, the Lakers pulled Luggin for an extra attacker, but the Saints seized the opportunity for an empty-net goal. The difference in today's contest was settled by St. Lawrence capitalizing on their power plays as the game ended 3-0.
 
The Lakers will take a week off before heading to Penn State to begin conference play. This rematch of the AHA championship game will begin Friday, Oct. 17 at 3:00 p.m.