ERIE, Pa.  – The Mercyhurst women's hockey team, recently ranked No. 13 in the nation, played their final game of the regular season against Syracuse. Last night, the two sides tied 2-2 and then the Orange won the shootout. Tonight, the Lakers dominated every side of the rink and extended their unbeaten streak to nine games. They scored three goals in the first, three in second, and one in the third to defeat Syracuse, 7-0. Their three powerplay goals showcased why they are ranked fifth in the nation in powerplay conversion percentage. Defensively, Tara Bach made 31 saves between the pipes and earned her third shutout of the season. This is also the eighth time this season Mercyhurst has won a game with five or more goal scorers. Makayla Javier, Jade Maisonneuve, Payten Evans, Sophie McKinley, and Jessica Ciarrocchi were the five seniors honored after the game.  
 
Mercyhurst (21-10-3, 17-5-2 AHA) began the first period with strong play, as Maisonneuve scored an even-strength goal at 15:26, assisted by Julia Perjus, putting the team on the scoreboard first. Syracuse (14-16-4, 10-11-3 AHA) was penalized with a five-minute major for hitting from behind in the middle of the period. The Lakers capitalized on this power play opportunity with Sofia Ljung finding the net at 9:06, assisted by Holly VanNetten and Evans. Continuing their momentum, the Lakers added a third goal during the same power play. Maja Alenius scored at 7:27, with assists from Madison Nelson and Maisonneuve. The Orange did not have a response for this offensive pressure and the period ended, 3-0. 
 
The Lakers extended their lead in the second period with a trio of even-strength goals, solidifying its control over the game. McKinley opened this period's scoring at 13:02 on an assist from Perjus. Shortly after, VanNetten added to the scoreboard, assisted by Sofia Nuutinen and Henlee Mahoney. Maisonneuve then netted her second of the afternoon, with Avery Bryk contributing the assist. The period closed with Syracuse unable to capitalize on their chances, as the Lakers' defense, anchored by Bach's solid goaltending, kept them off the board. Mercyhurst entered the final period with a commanding six-goal advantage.
 
The final frame began with the Lakers capitalizing on yet another power-play opportunity. At 15:42, Evans scored with assists from Perjus and Ljung, extending the lead to seven. Bach continued to make pivotal saves in net and hold the shutout. The Lakers continued to control the game, successfully killing a penalty midway through the period. Mercyhurst's defense held firm, and the period ended without a breakthrough from the Orange. Mercyhurst completed its rout of Syracuse, 7-0.
 
The Lakers have a first-round bye in the AHA playoffs. They will host a semifinal series beginning Friday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. with an opponent to be determined.