SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Mercyhurst (8-7-2, 5-3-1) and Syracuse (6-9-1, 4-4-1) ended in a 2–2 tie at Syracuse, with neither team able to score in overtime. Syracuse won the shootout, taking home the extra point. Lakers goaltender
Magdalena Luggin made 33 saves, helping the team secure the draw.
The first period began with the Lakers gaining early momentum by winning the initial faceoff and attempting multiple shots on goal. Despite the pressure, Syracuse's goalie, Ava Drabyk, managed to keep the puck out of the net. Mercyhurst's defensive play was highlighted by blocked shots from
Sofia Nuutinen and
Maja Alenius, effectively neutralizing Syracuse's offensive efforts.
As the period progressed, Syracuse capitalized on a power-play opportunity following a penalty on
Holly VanNetten, but Mercyhurst's defense, anchored by
Magdalena Luggin in goal, successfully killed off the penalty. The period closed with both teams unable to break the deadlock, resulting in a score of 0–0.
Mercyhurst began the second period with a strong presence at the faceoff circle, securing early possession. Despite multiple shots from
Sophie McKinley and
Julia Perjus, Ava Drabyk of Syracuse kept the puck out of the net. The team maintained pressure, winning several faceoffs.
Midway through the period, Syracuse broke the stalemate with a goal by Stella Costabile, assisted by Jackson Kinsler and Jessica Cheung, putting the Green and Blue behind. However, the team remained resilient, with Luggin making several key saves to keep the deficit at one.
As the period wound down, Mercyhurst's
Julia Schalin scored an equalizer with just 48 seconds left, assisted by
Julia Perjus and
Sofia Nuutinen. This timely goal brought the score to 1–1, closing the period on even terms.
Mercyhurst extended their lead early in the third period when Schalin scored at 8:10, with assists from
Maja Alenius and
Sophie McKinley. This goal provided a crucial two-goal cushion as the Lakers sought to maintain control. Throughout the period, Mercyhurst effectively blocked several Syracuse shots while maintaining offensive pressure.
Syracuse narrowed the gap with a game-tying goal from Celia Wiegand at 18:29, assisted by Jessica Cheung and Emma Gnade, with an extra attacker on the ice. Despite Mercyhurst's efforts to regain the lead, the period concluded with the score tied at 2–2, setting the stage for an intense finish.
Mercyhurst initiated the overtime period with a faceoff victory by Perjus. The team exerted offensive pressure immediately, opting for an empty net strategy and generating several scoring opportunities. Despite multiple attempts, the Lakers' shots, including efforts from
Abby Poitras and Schalin, were either wide or saved by Syracuse's goalie, Ava Drabyk.
Mercyhurst capitalized on a power play early in the period but was unable to convert despite sustained pressure. Shots by
Berlin Lolacher and
Sofia Nuutinen were saved, maintaining the scoreless tie. The period saw Mercyhurst controlling possession and crafting chances, but Syracuse's defense held firm. The overtime concluded with neither team scoring, and the game ended in a draw.
The game extended into a shootout after regulation concluded with both teams tied at 2–2. Mercyhurst began the shootout with Schalin missing the initial attempt against Syracuse's goalie Drabyk. Syracuse capitalized with Heidi Knoll converting their first attempt to gain the advantage.
Mercyhurst's subsequent shooters,
Avery Bryk and Perjus, were unable to find the net, with Drabyk making crucial stops. Despite Luggin's efforts in goal for Mercyhurst, stopping attempts from Jessica Cheung and Emma Gnade, Syracuse's early success in the shootout secured their victory, concluding the game with a 3–2 win for Syracuse.
Schalin scored two goals on six shots, contributing significantly to the team's offensive effort. Alenius recorded an assist, adding to her point tally with two shots on goal. Nuutinen also provided an assist while blocking three shots, showcasing her defensive capabilities. Goalie Luggin made 33 saves, keeping the game within reach for her teammates.
The Lakers hold an overall record of 8-7-2 and a conference record of 5-3-1. Syracuse stands at 6-9-1 overall and 4-4-1 in conference play.
In their next game, the Green and Blue will face Syracuse on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. ET in Syracuse, New York.