University Park, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Women's Ice Hockey team fell 4-3 in overtime to No. 8 Penn State on Friday evening at Pegula Ice Arena. The Lakers took an early lead and held off the Nittany Lions for most of the game, but a late rally and an overtime winner sealed the victory for Penn State. 

How It Happened: 

Mercyhurst came out firing in the first period, scoring twice in a 22-second span. Makayla Javier opened the scoring at 10:00, finishing a feed from Vanessa Upson and Julia Schalin. Just moments later, Marielle Parks extended the lead with an unassisted goal at 10:22 to put the Lakers up 2-0. 

Penn State cut the deficit to one when Maddy Christian scored at 10:52, but Mercyhurst responded quickly. Jade Maisonneuve netted the Lakers' third goal at 12:50, assisted by Parks and Megan McKay, giving Mercyhurst a 3-1 advantage. 

The Nittany Lions pushed back late in the period, as Grace Outwater found the back of the net at 17:59, making it a 3-2 game heading into the first intermission. 

After a scoreless second period, Abby Stonehouse tied the game for Penn State at 11:00 of the third. Both teams had chances down the stretch, but goaltenders Jorden Mattison (Mercyhurst) and Katie DeSa (Penn State) stood tall, sending the game to overtime. 

In the extra frame, Lyndie Lobdell scored the game-winner just 1:15 into overtime, giving the Nittany Lions a come-from-behind 4-3 victory. 

Notable Performances: 

• Makayla Javier scored her sixth goal of the season. 

• Marielle Parks recorded a goal and an assist, finishing with a team-high six faceoff wins. 

• Jade Maisonneuve netted her seventh goal of the season. 

• Jorden Mattison made 39 saves, keeping Mercyhurst in the game. 

Up Next: 

Mercyhurst (16-13-2, 11-5-1 AHA) will look to bounce back in game two against Penn State (26-4-1, 17-0-0 AHA) on Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 PM at Pegula Ice Arena.