The Lindenwood women's hockey team (5-24-0, 5-10-0 CHA) dropped the opening game of its series with Mercyhurst (18-13-2, 10-3-2 CHA) by a score of on Friday night from Erie, Pa.

GAME OVERVIEW 
Each teams fired the puck toward the net in the opening period, generating 15 or more shot attempts apiece in the first 20 minutes. Both netminders were solid, stopping every shot they say as Natalie Ferenc compiled seven saves in the opening period. As a defensive unit, the Lions blocked another six shots, led by Morgan Neitzke who had two. The game remained scoreless after one period of play.

Mercyhurst grabbed a 1-0 lead less than five minutes into the middle frame, converting on the powerplay. Lindenwood earned a man advantage of its own shortly after but were unable to capitalize as the Lakers maintained their one-goal advantage. Despite the early score, Ferenc settled in, making 16 saves in the second period, keeping the score at 1-0 after 40 minutes of play.

The Lakers started quickly once again, doubling their lead less than three minutes into the final frame. Shortly after, Mercyhurst earned a five-minute powerplay. On the ensuing man advantage, the Lakers would extend their lead to 3-0 at the 7:56 mark of the period. The Lions struggled to find their footing in the offensive zone during the final period, generating just two shots on goal as they fell by that 3-0 score.

GAME LEADERS
Sarah Davies (nine shots, six SOG)
Teagan Heaslip (two SOG, five blocked shots)
Ferenc (43 saves)

UP NEXT
Lindenwood will close out its series with Mercyhurst tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. CT from Erie, Pa.