Mercyhurst defeated host Holy Cross, 6-3, Friday evening at the Hart Center Ice Rink. The Lakers have now won seven consecutive games and remain undefeated 15-0-2 in the MAAC. Holy Cross falls to 10-6-3 in the MAAC, 13-10-3 overall.
Mercyhurst struck first on a goal by R.C. Lyke at 7:55 of the opening period. HC evened things up when Matt Conway sent a wrister over Laker goalie Peter Aubry’s left shoulder at 13:14. Tim Bernstein assisted on the play. Brandon Doria gave the Crusaders a 2-1 lead at 18:35 as Holy Cross was able to capitalize on a two-man advantage. Patrick Rissmiller and R.J. Irving were credited with the helpers.
TJ Kemp scored the Lakers’ first of four goals in the second stanza at 1:36 during a power play to tie the game at 2-2. HC responded just 0:47 later when Doria netted his second goal of the game to put the Crusaders ahead 3-2.
From then on the game belonged to the visiting Lakers.
Peter Rynshoven scored Mercyhurst’s second power-play goal of the period at 6:31 to knot the game at 3-3. Brad Olsen put the Lakers ahead for good only 19 seconds later with his second game winning goal of the season. Adam Rivers increased the Mercyhurst lead to 5-3 when he scored on a breakaway at 12:49.
Mark Chamber netted the Lakers’ final goal of the contest at 17:30 of the third segment to push the final score to 6-3.
Derek Cunha made 28 saves in net for Holy Cross. Aubry stopped 34 shots for Mercyhurst.
The two teams square off again Saturday at the Hart Center. Faceoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
