The Lindenwood women's hockey team (5-18-3, 3-10-0 CHA) earned a gritty 3-2 win over Mercyhurst (14-9-4, 8-3-2 CHA) on Friday night at Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo.
 
GAME OVERVIEW
The Lions jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead as Lauren Dabrowski took the puck across the face of the goalie to find the open hole for the goal.  Lindenwood took the 1-0 lead into the break, but Mercyhurst picked up the pace to start the second period.  The Lakers found success at the 8:04 mark of the second, tying the game at 1-1.  However, the Lions responded as Jada Burke found the back of the net for her fourth goal of the year.
 
Mercyhurst again tied the game, this time at the 14:13 mark of the second period to make it 2-2.  The game begin to get physical heading into the final frame, as back-to-back slashing calls were made at the end of the period.  The Lions gained possession early in the third period, which paid dividends with Sierra Burt breaking the tie less than three minute into the third.
 
Lindenwood battled the pressure from the Lakers, killing off one penalty and making the key stops when they needed the most.  Annika Asplundh made 30 saves on the night, including 13 in the third period alone.  The Lions were able to keep the Lakers off the board in the final frame, as a wild finish will carry an edge into Saturday's game.
 
GAME LEADERS
Jada Burke (1 G, 1 A, 3 blocks, 8 FOW)
Lauren Dabrowski (1 G, 3 blocks, 6 shots)
Sierra Burt (1 G, 4 shots)
 
UP NEXT
Lindenwood and Mercyhurst will close out the season-series on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo.