ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Mercyhurst men's ice hockey team fell to RIT, 4–1, at Gene Polisseni Center, despite scoring a power-play goal in the third period.
The first period proved an equal matchup between the Tigers and the Lakers. The Green and Blue opened the first period by applying early pressure, highlighted by
Trent Sambrook and
Matteo Disipio's attempts turned away by RIT's goaltender. The Lakers continued to press, with
Connor Pelc's shot hitting the pipe mid-period, but were unable to convert their chances into goals. The period saw strong defensive efforts, with
John Larkin blocking two key shots to maintain the scoreline. Despite a power-play opportunity late in the period, the Lakers couldn't capitalize. The period ended with a score of 0-0, with both teams unable to find the back of the net.
The second period began with the Lakers gaining initial possession through a faceoff win by
Ryan Coughlin. Despite early attempts, including a shot by Sambrook, the visiting team struggled to find the back of the net. Defensive efforts were highlighted by blocked shots from
Spencer Smith and
Caleb Price, who helped maintain a tight contest. Midway through, the Tigers capitalized on a scoring opportunity, netting a goal at 10:29. The Lakers responded with pressure, including a power-play opportunity following an interference penalty on RIT, but efforts by
Dominik Bartecko and
Lukas Klemm were thwarted by the opposing goaltender. As the period concluded, Mercyhurst continued to press but could not alter the scoreboard, which remained 1-0 in favor of RIT.
The Lakers faced a challenging third period against RIT. Early attempts by
Brendan Lamb and
Jaryd Sych were saved by RIT's net minder. Despite Mercyhurst's efforts, RIT capitalized on a power play with a goal at 12:38, extending their lead. As the period progressed, the Tigers added another for RIT at 10:36, bringing the score to 3–0. Mercyhurst responded with persistent offensive pressure. A late penalty by the Tigers allowed for goaltender
Charles-Edward Gravel to leave the ice and the Lakers play six on four. The offensive pressure culminating in a power-play goal by Disipio at 1:49, assisted by Larkin and Jacob Leblanc. As the Lakers added an extra skater to the ice, the Tigers sealed the game with an empty-net goal. The game concluded with the Green and Blue trailing 4–1.
Disipio scored a power-play goal, contributing a point in the game.
Charles-Edward Gravel made 19 saves while allowing three goals in his start. Lamb won eight faceoffs, finishing with a 53% faceoff win rate. Sych achieved a perfect faceoff percentage, winning his only attempt.
The Lakers will face the Tigers again Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
