The Lindenwood women's hockey team defeated the Mercyhurst Lakers 3-1 on Saturday afternoon from Lindenwood Ice Arena in Wentzville, Mo. Lindenwood has now secured points in five of its last seven contests.

Lindenwood and Mercyhurst skated even through the first 20 minutes of action, with the Lakers holding a 10-to-six edge in shots on goal at the end of the first period. Lady Lion goaltender Jolene deBruyn turned away all 10 shots sent towards her.

The score remained tied at zero late into the second period. With just under five minutes remaining in the period, Mercyhurst was whistled for a two minute tripping minor, sending Lindenwood to the power play. While on the power play, Shannon Morris-Reade picked up her second goal of the season, giving Lindenwood a 1-0 lead. Kirsten Martin and Cierra Paisley registered the assists on Morris-Reade's power-play score.

The Lady Lion lead was short lived, as the Lakers would respond with an even-strength goal 66 seconds later, tying the score at 1-1. Sarah Hine recorded the Mercyhurst goal.
The second period would end with the score even at 1-1 after 40 minutes of play.

A Mercyhurst hooking minor at the 5:48 mark of the third period would send Lindenwood to the power play once again. With 25 seconds remaining on the power play, Taylor Girard wristed a shot over the right shoulder of the Mercyhurst goaltender and into the back of net. Girard's power-play score was assisted by Sarah Bobrowski and Martin.

The Lady Lions continued to protect their one-goal lead late into the closing minutes of the game. Mercyhurst pulled its goaltender in an effort to gain the extra skater advantage, but Lindenwood capitalized on the chance with an empty-net goal. Girard netted her second goal of the game at the 18:44 mark of the period. Paisley picked up the helper on the score, her second of the afternoon and team-leading sixth assist of the season. Lindenwood would go on to win by the final count of 3-1.

deBruyn made 25 saves in net for the Lady Lions, including 11 saves during the third period. deBruyn earned her third victory of the season.

Lindenwood finished the game two-for-four on the power play, receiving scores from Morris-Reade and Girard with the extra skater. On the penalty kill, the Lady Lions successfully managed to kill off all three of their chances.

Following the win, Lindenwood improves to 3-11-2 and 2-5-1 from within the CHA. With the loss, Mercyhurst moves to 6-11-1 and 3-5-0 in conference play. The Lady Lions will enjoy a 13 day break between games, as they return to action on Dec. 16-17 for a two-game series with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. The series will be played at Lindenwood Ice Arena.