The Lions opened up conference play on Friday with a two-game series against Mercyhurst University at Centene Community Ice Center. The team came into conference play with a 0-7-1 record on the season, while Mercyhurst came into play with a record of 2-6-1 on the season.
The first period of game one of the series was quiet goal-scoring-wise until the final minute of the opening period. That is when the Lions would get on the board first with about 18 seconds left. The goal would be scored by Morgan Neitzke, and assisted by Sydney Rarick and Quinn McLaren. The Lions would take that 1-0 lead into the second period, despite the Lakers outshot the Lions 14-7 in the frame.
The second period was completely quiet on the scoresheet, as both teams were held scoreless with the Lakers outshot the Lions 10-7 in the period.
The Lions would take a penalty early on in the third period, allowing the Lakers to score on the power play to tie the game. That game-tying goal would come at 7:44. The Lakers would get another goal, this one at even strength, to make the lead around five minutes later. The Lakers would add an empty net goal at 18:41 of the period as the Lions pulled the goalie in an attempt to tie the game. The Lakers would win the game 3-1, outshooting the Lions 12-9 in the third period and 36-24 for the game. Lions goalie Anna LaRose played well, stopping 33 of 36 shots despite the loss.
Game two of the series took place on Saturday, and just like in game one, the Lions took the lead in the first period, coming at 7:27. The goal was scored by Paige Cline, and assisted by Hannah Dods and Lucie Quarto. For Cline, this was her first goal as a Lion. Lindenwood would hold their 1-0 lead heading into the second period, though the Lakers outshot the Lions 12-10 in the period.
The second period saw constant pressure by the Lakers to tie the game, and eventually, they did. The game would stay tied heading into the third period, as the Lakers outshot the Lions 22-7 in the second period.
At 5:42 of the third period, the Lions would take the lead back on a power play wrap-around goal by Gigi Pora, assisted by both Neitzke and Rarick. The Lions would be able to hold their 2-1 lead until the final whistle, giving the Lions their first win of the season. The Lakers outshot the Lions 9-7 in the period and 43-24 in the game despite the win. Lions goalie LaRose was again fantastic, stopping 42 of the 43 shots she faced in the win.
With the split of the series, the Lions now sit with a record of 1-8-1 on the season and 1-1 in conference play. Next up for the Lions is a date with the St. Thomas Tommies Nov. 7th and 8th in St. Paul, Minnesota.
