BOSTON – Atlantic Hockey America released their players of the month for December this afternoon. The Mercyhurst women's hockey team had two players win their first monthly award of the season. Payten Evans was named the AHA Defenseman of the Month. Julia Perjus was named the AHA Rookie of the Month.  

Evans was named the AHA Defenseman of the Month for the first time after posting a six-point weekend against Lindenwood on Dec 5 and 6. The native of Calgary, Alberta scored a powerplay goal from the blueline and recorded a hat trick of assists all in the team's 10-1 victory. In game two of this series, she scored another goal and assisted one on the powerplay. Evans (3G, 6A, 9 PTS) leads all Laker defensemen in goals and is third among Laker defenseman in points.

Perjus earned her first monthly AHA Rookie of the week honor after a five-point weekend against Lindenwood. This weekend also contributed to her being named the AHA Rookie of the Month. The native of Stockholm, Sweden native recorded a career-high four assists in the team's 10-1 win in game one of the series. Two of her assists contributed to Julia Schalin's hat trick, including the power play and shorthanded goals. She also scored a power play goal in game two of the series. Perjus (11G, 11A, 22 PTS) leads the team in goals and has the second-highest net rating of +9. She also leads all forwards on the team in blocks with 22. 

To view the full release from the AHA, please click here.