The Lindenwood women's hockey team (2-19-0, 2-5-0 CHA) dropped a heartbreaker in overtime, losing to Mercyhurst (12-11-0, 4-1-0 CHA) by a score of 4-3 on Friday night from Centene Community Ice Center.

GAME OVERVIEW
The opening period was a back-and-forth battle as Lindenwood opened the game with a quality scoring chance, but Molly Henderson was denied 17 seconds in. The period continued at a fast pace, which saw both teams put a combined 28 shots on goal, 14 by each team. The Lakers got on the board first at the 8:48 mark of the opening period after pouncing on a loose puck in the Lindenwood zone. A few minutes later, Sarah Davies blasted a one-timer that hit the outside of the post, seeing the game stay 1-0, which would be the score after 20 minutes of play.

Mercyhurst added to its lead at the 3:51 mark of the second period, going up 2-0 early in the middle frame. Just under two minutes later, on a Lindenwood powerplay, Morgan Neitzke carried the puck into the zone with speed, centered a pass which found the stick of Molly Henderson who made it 2-1 at the 5:15 mark. Sena Takena also picked up an assist on the goal. The Lions continued to carry the play in the second frame, which resulted in a game-tying goal at the 9:48 mark. Meara Ryan found Henderson again who fired one past the Lakers netminder, knotting the game 2-2, which would be the score after to periods.

Lindenwood killed off the remainder of a Mercyhurst powerplay to begin the final frame as the score remained tied. That was until the 8:23 mark when the Lakers regained the lead once again at 3-2. The Lions responded quickly, however. Chloe Corbin won an offensive zone draw back to Neitzke who found the top corner, tying the game 3-3. The score remained tied, but Lindenwood earned a late powerplay, but were unable to capitalize, however. The game went into overtime.

In the overtime session, Julia Maguire was strong, just like she had been the whole night. Maguire denied multiple breakaway attempts, but the Lakers were able to grab the game-winner with just over a minute left to play, winning the series opener 4-3.

GAME LEADERS
Henderson (two goals, seven FOW)
Neitzke (one goal, one assist, 19 shot attempts, nine SOG)
Corbin (one assist, 12 FOW)

UP NEXT
Lindenwood closes out its series with Mercyhurst tomorrow at 1:10 p.m. from Centene Community Ice Center.