The Lindenwood women's hockey team reached double-figure wins for the first time in program history, and did so against an opponent that has given it fits over the last four years. The Lady Lions knocked off CHA Champion Mercyhurst by a 3-1 score on Friday night at the Lindenwood Ice Arena.
 
Lindenwood entered the game winless in the series against the Lakers but got off to a quick start when Alyssa West scored a power-play goal just 8:21 into the game. Katie Erickson shot the puck in and West tipped it past the Lakers' goalie. Jordyn Constance also assisted on the goal. Erickson set up another goal less than four minutes later when her pass found a breaking Constance, who scored her team-high 14th goal of the season. The first period ended with Lindenwood ahead 2-1 after Mercyhurst scored in the final minute with a power-play goal.
 
In the second period, the Lady Lions' second line got into the scoring with a goal from Holly Dietzler. Darby Dodds and Sarah Bobrowski each received an assist on the play.
 
After that goal, Lindenwood's defense took over the game as Nicole Hensley did not allow another goal. The Lady Lions were especially impressive on the penalty kill against a Mercyhurst team that came into the game scoring on nearly 20 percent of its power plays. The Lakers had five power plays after Lindenwood went up 3-1, but did not score. Mercyhurst took 10 shots in those power plays, including three in the final minute after it had pulled the goalie.
 
Hensley finished the game with 33 saves, including 28 in the final two periods. Katie Nokelby had a team-high four blocks, and 10 players finished with a plus/minus of +1. Lyndsay Kirkham reached a career milestone in the game by appearing in her 100th contest at Lindenwood.
 
Lindenwood improves to 10-18-2 on the year and 7-10-2 in conference play. Due to results in other conference games, the Lady Lions will open up the CHA Tournament on the road at either Penn State or Robert Morris.
 
Lindenwood concludes its regular season tomorrow with a 1 p.m. game against the Lakers.