The Lindenwood Women's Hockey team (4-3, 1-2 AHA) fell to Mercyhurst (4-3, 2-1 AHA) by a score of 2-1 in its home opener on Thursday afternoon. Ebba Ridderstolpe finished the contest with 39 saves.
Lindenwood killed off an early penalty less than six minutes into the first period, with Ridderstolpe stopping both shots she faced to keep the game scoreless. The Lions then got the offense going as Tatiana Blichova found the back of the net with assists from Tilde Simensen and Rhaea Flint, giving Lindenwood a 1-0 lead just before the midway point of the period. However, the Lakers responded less than two minutes later with a goal of their own to even the score at one. Ridderstolpe recorded 16 saves in the opening period as the teams entered the first intermission tied 1-1.
Ridderstolpe continued her strong performance in the second period, stopping 14 more shots from Mercyhurst. The Lions recorded seven shots in the middle frame, with Blichova leading the way with two attempts on target.
The Black and Gold were unable to capitalize on a power play to begin the third period as both teams searched for the go-ahead goal. Mercyhurst eventually took their first lead of the contest on their third power play opportunity of the game, scoring just past the midway point of the final period to take a 2-1 advantage. Lindenwood was unable to find the equalizer over the final eight and a half minutes, falling by a score of 2-1 in the Lions' home opener.
"I thought there were moments in the third period where we got back to having better energy and getting back to our game." said Head Coach Max Gavin. "For us, it's just a reset and regroup and we have a great opportunity tomorrow at home to get back on track."
The two teams will conclude the series tomorrow afternoon, with puck drop scheduled for 12 p.m. at Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo.
