ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Mercyhurst women's hockey team traveled to RIT for game two after winning an eight-goal thriller by a score of 5-3 last night. Today, both sides scored in the first period and then it remained 1-1 heading into overtime.
Abby Poitras netted the Laker's game-winning goal in OT to give them a 2-1 victory and secure the series sweep. This is the third consecutive weekend, specifically in game two, where a Laker blueliner has scored the game-winning goal in overtime to defeat an AHA opponent. It is the second time Poitras has done so this month as well.
The first period opened with both teams testing the opposing goaltenders early. Mercyhurst (16-10-2, 12-5-1 AHA) capitalized on a power play opportunity at 7:46 when
Sofia Nuutinen opened the scoring, assisted by
Payten Evans and
Julia Perjus. RIT (13-13-0, 9-9-0 AHA) responded later in the period when they netted an even-strength goal at 5:40. The teams continued to exchange shots and defensive stops throughout the remainder of the period. The first period ended tied at 1–1.
The second stanza commenced with the Lakers gaining early control through a faceoff victory by Perjus. Despite sustained offensive efforts, including shots from
Sofia Ljung and
Regina Metzler, the team was unable to break through the Tiger's defense, with their netminder making several saves. The Laker's defensive unit was active, with
Holly VanNetten blocking multiple attempts, keeping RIT's offensive pressure at bay. Laker goaltender
Magdalena Luggin also played a crucial role, stopping numerous shots, including a close call when RIT hit the pipe. As the period progressed, both teams exchanged opportunities but neither could capitalize, resulting in a scoreless frame and the score remaining 1-1.
The final frame began with the Lakers winning the initial faceoff, setting the tone for the remaining time. Metzler led an early offensive effort, but her attempts were saved by RIT's goaltender. VanNetten and
Jessica Ciarrocchi stood out defensively, blocking multiple shots and maintaining pressure on RIT's offensive players. Despite continuous offensive efforts from players like
Avery Bryk,
Nayeon Kim, and Poitras, featuring multiple shots on goal, the Lakers unable to convert. Luggin provided key saves on RIT's few scoring opportunities, keeping the game level. As the period closed, the Lakers maintained strong defensive play, highlighted by blocks from Evans and
Sophie McKinley. The game concluded with neither team scoring as they headed to overtime.
Mercyhurst capitalized early in the overtime period to secure the victory. The Lakers dominated the initial minutes with multiple attempts from
Julia Schalin and Nuutinen, who hit the pipe before Poitras found the back of the net off her own rebound. Poitras' goal, assisted by Metzler and Nuutinen, ended the game at 1:39 of overtime, marking her third goal of the season and third overtime winner this month.
The Lakers host RMU for their next series beginning Friday, Jan. 23 at 3 p.m.
