ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The Mercyhurst women's hockey team looked to build off a 5-1 win over Lindenwood last night and secure their first sweep of 2026. The Lions scored early, but Lakers responded shortly after. Most of today's game was marked by tremednous defensive efforts as it then remained scoreless for the next 50 minutes of play. In overtime, Berlin Lolacher and Sofia Nuutinen connected with Abby Poitras, who netted the game-winning with 1.6 seconds left on the clock. 
 
Mercyhurst (13-9-2, 9-4-1 AHA) found themselves behind in the first minute of play as Lindenwood (6-16-2, 4-9-1 AHA) found the back of the net. Despite the early setback, the Lakers responded with consistent offensive pressure. Nuutinen equalized at 8:15 with assists from Kate Donegan and Regina Metzler to bring things level. Throughout the period, Mercyhurst's defense, led by Tara Bach in goal, handled multiple Lindenwood attempts for the rest of the period. As the period concluded, the teams remained locked at one goal apiece. 
 
The second period was chaotic, marked by some of the best defense of the weekend. It began with the Lakers gaining initial control as Julia Perjus won the faceoff. Despite facing a power play early due to a tripping penalty on Maja Alenius, the defense, backed by Bach's saves, held off the Lions. The Lakers countered with several attempts on goal, including a promising shot by Donegan that hit the pipe, but the score remained unchanged. Midway through the period, Mercyhurst continued to generate opportunities, highlighted by winning crucial faceoffs and applying pressure during two power plays. One of these powerplays was five-on-three for 50 seconds, but the Lions prevailed. The Lion's netminder continued to keep the Lakers at bay throughout the period. There were 20 total shots, both teams hit the pipe, and there were two penalty kills for each side as the score was still 1-1.
 
The Lakers began the third period by applying offensive pressure with early attempts from Perjus and Sophie McKinley, but neither could convert. The Lion's netminder was having one of the best nights of the season, fending off an ambitious Laker's attack. Midway through the period, Mercyhurst gained a power play opportunity following a boarding penalty. Despite this advantage, shots from Julia Schalin and Payten Evans, were either blocked or saved by Lindenwood's defense. Bach continued to be a strong presence for the Lakers on the other end by making some strong saves. Another chaotic period was marked by great goaltending, and the game went into overtime.
 
In the overtime period, things were even for the first four and a half minutes. With less than ten seconds remaining, Lolacher and Nuutinen connected before playing the puck to the top of the Lion's crease. Poitras came flying in and fired the puck into the back of the net with 1.6 seconds on the clock to secure the 2-1 victory in OT. This was Poitras first goal with the Lakers, and what a time to score it.
 
The Lakers next challenge will come as they host No. 4 Penn State. Puck Drop for game one is set for Friday, Jan. 9 at 3 p.m.