Feb. 2, 2007

Stats

Erie, Pa. - #1 Mercyhurst began the regular season stretch drive and a six-game home stand with a 3-1 win over visiting Niagara Friday in a College Hockey America (CHA) contest at the Ice Center. The Lakers, 14-0-1 in their last 15 games, improved to 24-1-2 overall and 5-0-0 in the conference. Niagara fell to 7-15-5 and 2-3-0 respectively.

Mercyhurst spotted the Purple Eagles an early 1-0 lead before regrouping for three power play goals, one in each period. Niagara senior forward Katie Gray scored her fourth of the year at 5:10 of the first period following a face-off deep in the Mercyhurst zone. Sophomore winger Melanie Mills' initial shot was stopped by Mercyhurst junior Laura Hosier, but Gray was there to bang home the rebound. The Lakers tied the game late in the period when sophomore defender Natalie Payne connected on a power play at 16:26. Payne's fourth goal of the season stretched her scoring streak to ten games. She had help from seniors Julia Colizza and Stefanie Bourbeau. Mercyhurst had a substantial 15-5 advantage in first period shots.

Bourbeau, the game's first star, then completed the scoring with power play markers at 7:17 of the second and 13:19 of the third. The goals were her 15th and 16th of the year. All the damage came against Niagara senior netminder Alison Rutledge (7-14-5). Colizza, the game's second star, helped on both gaols while freshman Meghan Agosta and senior Michelle Bonello picked up the other assists. Agosta extended her club-record scoring streak to 15 games, but saw her team-record goal-scoring streak end at 13.

Hosier picked up her 20th win of the season (20-1-1) and spearheaded a defense that blanked the Purple Eagles on eight power play chances. The Lakers finished 3 for 9. Mercyhurst outshot Niagara 41-28 overall.

The two teams will conclude the weekend series Saturday afternoon at 2.