ROCHESTER, N.Y.  – The Mercyhurst women's hockey team traveled to RIT for a series between two sides who were tied on AHA points heading into today's game. The Lakers scored early, and the teams kept exchanging goals until late in the second period when things started to get away from the Tigers. The Lakers held them off, had five different goal scorers for the fifth time this season, and won 5-3. 
 
Mercyhurst (15-10-2, 11-5-1 AHA) started the first period strongly. Kate Donegan quickly won the puck and dished it to Payten Evans who launched a rocket into the top shelf of the net. This early goal set the tone as the Lakers took the lead. However, RIT (13-12-0, 9-8-0 AHA) responded with a goal at 12:56. Despite several attempts, including a power play opportunity for the Lakers, the first period concluded with the teams tied at 1-1.
 
The Lakers began the second period with momentum, converting a power-play opportunity just 50 seconds in when Sofia Nuutinen scored, assisted by Julia Schalin and Julia Perjus. However, the Tigers quickly responded with a power-play goal to tie the game yet again. Avery Bryk regained the lead for the Lakers for the third time with an unassisted goal at 9:14. The Lakers continued to apply pressure, and with just 34 seconds remaining in the period, Abby Poitras scored an even-strength goal, assisted by Schalin and Regina Metzler. The score was 4-2 heading into the third period.
 
Mercyhurst extended their lead in the final frame with a hard-hit shot from Donegan at 11:09, assisted by Nuutinen and Sofia Ljung. This effort brought the Laker's score to 5, maintaining their offensive prowess. The Lakers' defense, led by netminder Magdalena Luggin, turned away multiple shots, effectively neutralizing RIT's power-play opportunities throughout the period. Despite a late goal by the Tigers at 19:10, Mercyhurst held firm, closing the period and the game with a 5-3 victory. 
 
Puck drop for game two will take place tomorrow at 3 p.m.