NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Mercyhurst women's hockey team spent their Thanksgiving preparing for the NCAA Smashville Showcase this weekend. Tonight, they played Stonehill for the first time in program history. The Lakers scored three goals in the first and third period and beat the Skyhawks 6-1. Head Coach Michael Sisti recorded his 600th career win. He became just the second Division-I women's hockey coach to reach this milestone.
 
Mercyhurst (10-7-2, 6-3-1 AHA) began the first period with an early faceoff win by Julia Perjus, setting the tone early. Maja Alenius capitalized on their momentum, scoring the first goal at 17:27 with assists from Julia Schalin and Perjus. Midway through the period, Sofia Nuutinen extended the lead to two with a power-play goal at 12:18, assisted by Payten Evans and Schalin. Stonehill (6-8-1, 6-5-1 NEWHA) responded with a goal at 10:42. However, the Lakers maintained pressure, and Perjus netted an unassisted goal in the final minute of play to close the period with a 3-1 advantage for the Lakers. 
 
The Lakers began the second period with increased offensive pressure, as Alenius and Holly VanNetten both managed early shots. Despite facing a penalty, the Lakers effectively killed off the Skyhawk's power play. Throughout the period, the Lakers continued to push forward, generating numerous opportunities, including attempts by Kate Donegan and Madison Nelson. Mercyhurst led the shot column this period 15-1, but the score remained 3-1.  
 
Mercyhurst extended their lead early in the final frame with numerous shots on goal, keeping pressure on Stonehill's defense. The Lakers would go on to score three additional goals this period. Jessica Ciarrocchi received the puck on the top of the crease and fired a bar-down shot that found the net at 12:37. This one was assisted by Nelson and Ashley Mandeville, extending the lead to four. The Lakers continued their offensive push with relentless attempts, and Regina Metzler capitalized at 15:33, assisted by Nuutinen and Alenius. Sophie McKinley joined the party by adding a sixth goal at 17:05, assisted by Schalin and Perjus. Despite Stonehill pulling their goalie for an extra skater in the final minutes, Mercyhurst's defense, backstopped by Magdalena Luggin, held firm. The Skyhawks could not stop the Laker's offensive prowess as this one finished 6-1. The shots were 52-14 in favor of Mercyhurst.
 
Michael Sisti became just the second Division-I women's ice hockey coach to reach the 600-win milestone. He joins the Wisconsin head coach, Mark Johnson, in this prestigious club. Sisti has been the only coach the Mercyhurst women's hockey program has ever known. His all-time record improves to 600-258-68, with a .685 win percentage. 
 
The Lakers will face off against No. 1 Wisconsin tomorrow, Nov. 28 at 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET. Viewers can find free coverage on YouTube.