ERIE, Pa.  – The Mercyhurst women's hockey team hosted Lindenwood this afternoon in two one of the AHA Semifinals. Game one was close last night, with the Lakers scoring the eventual game-winner late in the third period to secure a 2-1 victory. Today, the Lions played even tougher than the night before. They took the lead in the first 30 seconds and led for much of the game. Abby Poitras scored the game-tying goal late in the third and the game needed two overtime periods for Berlin Lolacher to net the game-winner. The Lakers will now play in their fifth-consecutive AHA Championship game and fourth consecutive against Penn State. 
 
The first period began with Lindenwood (14-21-1, 11-13-1 AHA) gaining an early lead just 23 seconds in off a turnover. Despite the Lakers' attempts to respond, including a power play opportunity following a tripping penalty against the Lions, the team was unable to convert. Payten Evans and Sofia Ljung provided defensive support by blocking shots, while goaltender Magdalena Luggin made several saves to keep the game within reach. Mercyhurst (23-10-3, 18-5-2 AHA) continued to pressure the opposing goalie, with numerous shots, but they were unable to find the back of the net. The period concluded with the Lakers trailing the Lions, 1-0.
 
Mercyhurst began the second period by winning multiple faceoffs, but Lindenwood extended its lead with a goal at 16:34. The Lakers responded quickly, with a strong offensive push culminating in Maja Alenius scoring a goal at 13:22. This one was assisted by Sofia Nuutinen and Regina Metzler, narrowing the deficit to just one. Despite facing a power play, the Lakers' defense, led by goaltender Luggin, successfully thwarted Lindenwood's efforts. The second stanza concluded with the Lakers trailing, 2-1.
 
The Lakers began the third frame registering multiple blocked and missing some shots of their own. This included attempts by Metzler and Sophie McKinley. Despite these efforts, the score remained tied as the Lion's defense held firm. Midway through the period, the Lakers capitalized on their sustained pressure. Poitras scored the game-tying, even-strength goal at 13:43 with an assist from Kate Donegan. MU maintained their defensive composure, successfully killing a penalty on Payten Evans and preventing Lindenwood from equalizing. Despite late pressure from the Lions, including several blocked shots, Mercyhurst held on to keep things tied at two heading to overtime. 
 
The first overtime period began with the Lakers securing the initial faceoff, setting an aggressive pace early on. Mercyhurst maintained offensive pressure with multiple attempts from Nuutinen and Julia Perjus, though Lindenwood's defense and goaltender effectively blocked and saved the shots. The Lakers continued to dominate puck possession, creating several scoring opportunities, but the Lion's defense was impenetrable, blocking numerous shots. Despite the relentless attempts, including efforts from Jade Maisonneuve and Alenius, the period concluded without either team breaking the deadlock. 
 
The second overtime period was filled with some tired legs after playing four periods in the second game of this series. Mercyhurst finally clinched the game in the second overtime period with decisive play. Holly VanNetten fired a shot into a group of skaters from both teams. The puck made its way to Maisonneuve from VanNetten and then Lolalcher scored the game-winning goal to seal the victory, 3-2. The Lakers won the series, 2-0. 
 
Mercyhurst now faces No. 3/3 Penn State in the AHA championship for the fourth consecutive year. That game is set for Saturday, March 7 with a time to be determined.