ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Women's Hockey team hosted RIT as they searched for their sixth consecutive win. Last night, Mercyhurst won a tight game 1-0. Today, the game was tied 0-0 after the first two periods. The Lakers dominated the control of the puck for most of the game and recorded over 40 shots. However, the Tigers scored the go-ahead goal in the third and earned a series split. 
 
Mercyhurst (8-7-1, 5-3-0 AHA) opened the first period with aggressive offensive pressure, unleashing a barrage of shots early in the frame. Sofia Nuutinen, Regina Metzler, and Makayla Javier all tested RIT (8-8-0, 4-4-0 AHA), but were unable to convert. The Lakers had an early power play opportunity, but the Tigers defense held them off. Defensively, the Lakers held strong, with Magdalena Luggin making key saves. Metzler and Payten Evans were instrumental in blocking shots, ensuring the defensive line remained firm. The period concluded with neither team able to break the deadlock, leaving the score tied at 0-0.
 
The Lakers dominated possession in the second period, generating a large number of shots on goal. Despite consistent pressure, including multiple attempts from Abby Poitras and Evans, RIT's netminder remained solid with several key saves. The Lakers' aggression was highlighted by another power play opportunity, but they were unable to capitalize. The Tiger's defense, bolstered by several blocked shots, managed to withstand the Laker's offensive prowess. The period ended as the score remained 0-0.
 
The final frame began with the Lakers winning the faceoff, maintaining early control. Despite several attempts on goal from Kate Donegan and Berlin Lolacher, the Lakers could not find the back of the net. Midway through the period, the tigers broke the deadlock at 11:50. The Lakers continued to sustain pressure, with Poitras blocking multiple shots and Luggin making key saves to prevent further scoring. As the period wound down, the Lakers took a timeout and pulled the goalie for an extra attacker, but attempts by Nuutinen and Holly VanNetten were unsuccessful. The game concluded with RIT holding onto a 1-0 victory.
 
The Lakers next series will take place at Syracuse. Puck drop for game one is set for Friday, Nov. 21 at 6:00 p.m.