SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Mercyhurst women's hockey team played their series finale at Syracuse today after tying 2-2 last night. The Lakers took the lead in the final minutes of the first period. Despite a pair of goals from the Orange, they Lakers lead the remainder of the game in a 3-2 win. This marked
Michael Sisti's 599th career win.
Mercyhurst (9-7-2, 6-3-1 AHA) began the first period with immediate pressure, winning the opening faceoff.
Julia Schalin, who scored two goals last night, fired an early shot over the goal. The team maintained offensive momentum throughout the period, leading to multiple attempts on net. At 16:21,
Jessica Ciarrocchi capitalized on an assist from
Avery Norman and
Holly VanNetten to give the Lakers the lead. Syracuse (6-10-1, 4-5-1 AHA) tried to get one back, but
Magdalena Luggin started the period strong. Despite a penalty late in the period, the Lakers held strong on the penalty kill, keeping Syracuse scoreless. The period concluded with the Lakers up 1-0.
The second period saw the Lakers extend their lead early.
Jade Maisonneuve, celebrating her 100th career game, found the back of the net at 13:42, with assists from
Abby Poitras and
Madison Nelson. The Orange responded quickly, scoring at 11:47 to narrow the gap to 2-1. The Laker's defense, led by Luggin in goal, withstood Syracuse's offensive pressure, including a successful penalty kill late in the period. The period concluded with the Lakers maintaining a 2-1 lead.
The Lakers opened the final frame with a strong start, winning the initial faceoff and quickly capitalizing with a goal by
Nayeon Kim at 18:58. Kim's goal, assisted by
Regina Metzler and
Sofia Nuutinen, extended the Lakers' lead to 3-1. Syracuse responded with a goal at 18:16, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Mercyhurst maintained pressure throughout the period, winning multiple faceoffs and generating numerous shots on goal. Strong defensive plays, including several blocked shots, helped preserve their lead. Despite the Orange pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, the Lakers held firm, closing the game with a 3–2 victory.
Mercyhurst will travel to Nashville, Tenn. for their next pair of games in the Smashville NCAA Women's Hockey Showcase. Their first game will take place Friday, Nov 28 at 6 p.m. ET.
