ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The Mercyhurst women's hockey team began 2026 with a trip to Lindenwood. Regina Metzler netted an early goal, and the Lakers dominated the remainder of the contest to win 5-1. The Lakers had five different goalscorers for the fourth time this season. Julia Schalin, who was just named to the Finland Olympic Team this morning, had a hat trick of assists for the second time this season. 
 
Mercyhurst (12-9-2, 8-4-1 AHA) began the first period with immediate control, winning the opening faceoff and applying early pressure. Metzler capitalized on this momentum at 17:32, with an assist from Schalin and Sofia Ljung. Throughout the period, Mercyhurst maintained defensive composure, with Tara Bach making key saves to keep Lindenwood (6-15-2, 4-8-1 AHA) off the scoreboard. The period closed with the Lakers holding a 1-0 advantage.
 
The Lakers extended their lead in the second period with a goal by Sofia Nuutinen at 5:27, assisted by Emmi Mourujärvi and Ljung. Later, with a power play opportunity, Julia Perjus netted a goal at 3:28, with assists from Schalin and Nuutinen. This power-play goal extended the Lakers advantage to three. Perjus had contributed on all corners of the ice, posting a 78% faceoff percentage by the end of the game. The second stanza concluded with Mercyhurst leading 3-0.
 
The final frame began with a quick goal from the Lions less than 20 seconds in. However, the Lakers responded shortly after with Ljung netting her second of the season. Notbaly, Ljung had a +4 net rating by the time the final horn blew. The Lakers continued to apply pressure and Bach continued to make saves. At 8:12, Berlin Lolacher fired a shot that hit both posts before a determined Henlee Mahoney scored her first goal of the season. Despite a late power play for the Lions, the Lakers maintained their defensive stance. The period concluded with Mercyhurst securing a 5-1 victory.
 
Puck drop for game two will take place tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET.