Senior defender Randi Pilger’s power play goal, just 18 seconds into the second period, gave the Mercyhurst Lady Lakers a hard-fought 1-0 win over visiting Bemidji State Friday, October 4, before 200 fans at the Ice Center. The game was the first for both teams in the 2002-03 season.
Pilger’s goal was assisted by senior team captain C.J. Ireland, and came just five seconds after a Bemidji penalty. Senior goalie Tiffany Ribble did the rest, stopping all 21 Bemidji shots on goal. Ribble missed the final fourteen games of last season with a leg injury. She hadn’t played since earning a 4-1 win at St. Cloud State December 16, 2001. Mercyhurst outshot the Beavers 35-21, but could only solve BSU junior netminder Anik Cote on the early second period power play.
Mercyhurst ended 1 of 5 with the advantage while the Beavers were 0 of 6.
The teams will play again Saturday night, October 5, at 7:30.
