ERIE, Pa.  – The Mercyhurst women's hockey team played game two of their second series of 2026 with a home matchup against No. 4 Penn State. Last night, the Nittany Lions won 3-0 despite the Lakers creating numerous chances. Today's game was level at zero after the first. The chaos of this fierce rivalry picked up as the game went into OT tied 3-3. In OT, AHA Defenseman of the Month Payten Evans netted the game-winning goal to secure the upset. Regina Metzler and Maja Alenius both had a hat trick of assists.
 
The first period began with the Lakers gaining early momentum by winning multiple faceoffs, including the opening one by Julia Perjus. Mercyhurst (14-10-2, 10-5-1 AHA) capitalized on a power play opportunity after Tessa Janecke of Penn State committed a tripping penalty. Despite several attempts, including shots from Julia Schalin and Sofia Nuutinen, they were unable to get past the strong defense of Penn State (19-4-0, 13-1-0 AHA). The Laker's defense held strong, with Magdalena Luggin in goal making key saves against any offensive pushes. Sofia Ljung and Abby Poitras contributed with significant blocks to thwart the Nittany Lions' attempts. As the period concluded, both teams remained scoreless, carrying a 0-0 tie into the second period.
 
The second stanza was when the chaos began, Penn State began the second period with momentum, taking an early lead at 18:24. The Green Lakers responded strongly, capitalizing on a power play opportunity when Berlin Lolacher scored at 11:12, assisted by Metzler and Alenius. PSU regained the advantage shortly after at 10:03. The Lakers equalized again during another power play, as Lolacher found the net for the second time, with assists again from Metzler and Alenius. The period concluded with both teams tied, setting up an important final period.
 
The Lakers began the final frame with a strong start, winning the initial faceoff. Despite a penalty on Perjus early in the period, the Lakers defense, led by Evans and Poitras, effectively blocked numerous attempts by PSU. The period saw back-and-forth action, with both teams trading possession and shots, but the Lakers managed to kill off another penalty and maintain pressure. Midway through the period, the Lakers faced another challenge with a penalty on Jade Maisonneuve, but they successfully killed another powerplay. The Nittany Lions broke the deadlock at 5:22 remaining with a goal from Janecke, but the Lakers responded with resilience. With just over a minute left, Perjus scored a critical power-play goal, assisted by Schalin and Alenius, tying the game at three. This came after Michael Sisti called a timeout, pulled Luggin, and set up a six-on-four masterclass. The period ended 3-3 headed into overtime.
 
The overtime period began with Penn State pressing offensively, but the Laker's defense, anchored by goaltender Luggin, stood firm against multiple shot attempts. Alenius contributed a crucial block to maintain the deadlock. Mercyhurst then shifted momentum, winning key faceoffs and generating offensive opportunities. With just 14 seconds remaining, Evans secured the victory with an even-strength, game-winning goal, assisted by Metzler and Perjus. The game concluded with the Lakers triumphing 4-3 and getting the upset.
 
The Lakers will travel to RIT for their next AHA series. Puck drop for game one will take place Friday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m.