The Lindenwood women's hockey team dropped the first of its two-game series with the Mercyhurst Lakers on Friday afternoon from the Mercyhurst Ice Center in Erie, Pa. Lindenwood goaltender Jolene deBruyn finished the game with 44 saves.
 
After nearly 40 scoreless minutes to begin the game, Mercyhurst broke through with the first score of the afternoon and took a 1-0 lead late in the middle period. The Laker's goal came while on the power play with just 41 seconds remaining in the second period.
 
Lindenwood appeared to tie the game early in the third period, as Mariah Hinds found the back of the net. However, after a brief replay review by the officials, the goal was disallowed, and Mercyhurst maintained its one-goal lead.
 
Merychurst closed out the period with two more scores, pushing its lead to a final margin of 3-0.
 
deBruyn had 44 saves during the contest, her fifth game this season with at least 40 saves. deBruyn had a game-high 18 saves during the second period, and had at least 13 stops in all three periods of the game.
 
Shannon Morris-Reade led the lions with three shots. Erin Near posted a team-high seven blocks. Cierra Paisley won nine of her 16 faceoffs to pace the Lions.
 
With the loss, Lindenwood moves to 6-14-1 on the season, and 4-7-0 from within the CHA. The Lions and Lakers will conclude the two-game set tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 p.m. ET.