Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Women's Ice Hockey team secured a crucial 5-3 victory over Syracuse on Friday night at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. Thea Johansson led the way with a hat trick, including the game-winning goal in the third period and an empty-net insurance goal to seal the win. 

How It Happened: 

Mercyhurst struck first late in the opening period, as Marielle Parks found the back of the net at 15:56, finishing a feed from Megan McKay and Mary Sweetapple to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead. Just under two minutes later, Chantal Ste-Croix doubled the advantage, scoring at 17:28 off an assist from Vanessa Upson, sending Mercyhurst into the first intermission up 2-0. 

Syracuse responded in the second period, cutting the deficit in half when Nea Tervonen scored at 8:55, assisted by Jackson Kinsler. The Orange then tied the game at 13:49 as Bryn Saarela capitalized on a chance, leveling the score at 2-2 heading into the final frame. 

In the third, Johansson took over. The junior forward broke the tie at 10:43, scoring off assists from Jade Maisonneuve and Upson to put the Lakers ahead 3-2. However, Syracuse answered quickly, as Mik Todd found the equalizer at 11:36. 

Just 52 seconds later, Johansson netted her second of the night, once again set up by Upson, giving Mercyhurst a 4-3 lead with 12:28 left in regulation. The Lakers held strong defensively before Johansson completed her hat trick with an empty-net goal at 19:37, securing the 5-3 victory. 

Notable Performances: 

• Thea Johansson recorded her third career hat trick, and first since her freshman season.  

• Vanessa Upson tallied three assists, setting up key scoring plays. 

• Marielle Parks and Chantal Ste-Croix each scored in the first period. 

• Goaltender Magdalena Luggin made 26 saves to earn the win. 

Up Next: 

Mercyhurst (18-13-2, 13-5-1 CHA) will wrap up its regular-season series against Syracuse on Saturday afternoon at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 1 PM.