University Park, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Women's Ice Hockey team gears up for a crucial Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) series this weekend as they travel to No. 8-ranked Penn State for a two-game set. The Lakers look to spoil the Nittany Lions' bid for a perfect conference record.
History
Penn State leads the season series 2-0 after securing a pair of road wins over Mercyhurst in December (4-2, 3-2). Historically, the Lakers hold an edge over the Nittany Lions 25-20-9, but the Nittany Lions have won the last six matchups. A tough task is ahead for the Lakers as they hold a 10-12-4 record on the road in the series history. The Lakers have averaged 2.65 goals per game in the series history.
Laker Outlook
Mercyhurst (16-12-2, 11-4-1 AHA) is coming off a shootout victory over RIT and has now extended its conference point streak to eight games. The Lakers have been strong defensively, allowing just 1.8 goals per game while averaging 2.8 goals per contest.
Vanessa Upson continues to lead the Lakers' offense with 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists), while Julia Schalin (10 goals, 14 assists) and Sofia Nuutinen (10 goals, 12 assists) provide additional firepower.
In goal, Jorden Mattison has been stellar, boasting a 1.69 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage across 18 starts. Special teams could be a key factor, as Mercyhurst's power play is converting at 20.4%, slightly better than Penn State's 20.0%.
The Lakers will be without three key contributors on both sides of the ice. Thea Johansson, Regina Metzler, and Magdalena Luggin will all be competing with their respective countries in their Olympic Qualifiers. Johansson is a key piece for the Lakers offense and regarded as one of the better goal scorers in the AHA. Metzler, who is regarded as one of the better players in Hungary, is one of the better defensive forwards in the AHA. Luggin, who was just named to the HCA Goaltender of the Year Watch List, helps boast the second-best team save percentage, and goals against average in the AHA.
A Look at Penn State
Penn State (25-4-1, 16-0-0 AHA) enters the weekend as the only unbeaten team in AHA play. The Nittany Lions have been dominant at both ends of the ice, leading the conference with 3.7 goals per game while allowing just 1.47 per contest.
Tessa Janecke is the offensive leader with 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists), while Maddy Christian (16 goals, 10 assists) and Katelyn Roberts (10 goals, 21 assists) add scoring depth.
Defensively, Katie DeSa has been one of the nation's top goaltenders, posting a 1.29 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage across 26 starts.
What to Watch For
Next Up
With the postseason race intensifying, the Lakers will shift their focus to a home series against Syracuse. The two-game set with the Orange will be the final series of the regular season.
