Moon Township, Pa. – The Mercyhurst Lakers Women’s Hockey team took to the ice for an exciting matchup against the Robert Morris Colonials, showcasing their determination and skill. Goaltender Jorden Mattison dazzled fans with her impressive performance in net, achieving her second shutout of the season as the Lakers secured a solid 2-0 victory. With this triumph, the Lakers elevated their record to 4-7-1 overall and 2-1 in Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) play, marked by a growing sense of momentum.
How It Happened:
After a scoreless first period filled with solid defense from both teams, Tristana Tatur ignited the scoring for Mercyhurst early in the second period at 2:44, netting her inaugural goal of the season. Sofia Ljung not only played a pivotal role in the offensive play but also earned the assist on this crucial game-winning goal, allowing the Lakers to take a 1-0 lead into the final frame.
The Lakers extended their lead with conviction in the third period at 15:34 when Regina Metzler found the back of the net, skillfully assisted by teammates Makayla Javier and Thea Johansson. Metzler’s second goal of the season not only reflected her growing prowess on the ice but also provided Mercyhurst with a critical insurance marker, enhancing their advantage.
As the game neared its conclusion, Robert Morris intensified their offensive efforts, pulling their goaltender for an extra attacker in a determined bid to narrow the score. However, Jorden Mattison remained unyielding, showcasing her skills by making several key saves that ultimately preserved the shutout and clinched the hard-fought victory for the Lakers.
Notable Performances:
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Tristana Tatur not only scored her first goal of the season, but she also celebrated achieving the first goal of her collegiate career, making it a memorable moment that proved to be the decisive game-winner.
Up Next:
The Lakers are now poised to aim for a series sweep as they prepare to face Robert Morris once again on Saturday afternoon, with the puck drop scheduled for 3:00 PM, promising another thrilling showdown on the ice.
How did Jorden Mattison prepare mentally and physically for the pressure of a scoreless first period against Robert Morris?
**Interview with Mercyhurst Lakers Goaltender Jorden Mattison Following 2-0 Victory Over Robert Morris Colonials**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jorden. Congratulations on the victory and your impressive performance in net! How does it feel to achieve your second shutout of the season?
**Jorden Mattison:** Thank you! It feels amazing to get the shutout, especially against a tough opponent like Robert Morris. We worked hard as a team, and it’s a great feeling to contribute to our first goal of the season.
**Interviewer:** The game had a scoreless first period, which must have been tense. Can you walk us through your mindset during that time?
**Jorden Mattison:** Definitely! The first period was intense, and I knew it was crucial to stay focused. Both teams were playing strong defensively, and I really had to stay sharp to make sure our momentum didn’t waver. I just kept reminding myself to take it one shot at a time.
**Interviewer:** Tristana Tatur scored the game-winning goal early in the second period. How did that change the dynamic of the game for you and the rest of the team?
**Jorden Mattison:** It was such a huge morale booster! Tristana’s goal really lit a fire under us. It made the defense feel a lot more secure knowing we had the lead, and it allowed us to play our game more aggressively. That confidence carried us through the rest of the match.
**Interviewer:** Regina Metzler added an insurance goal in the third period. How vital do you think that was to solidifying the win?
**Jorden Mattison:** Absolutely crucial! That second goal really took the pressure off. It gave us breathing room and allowed us to focus on just playing solid defensively without worrying too much about being tied. It was a great team effort leading up to that goal too.
**Interviewer:** With this victory, your record improves to 4-7-1 and 2-1 in AHA play. What does this mean for the team moving forward?
**Jorden Mattison:** This win definitely builds momentum for us. It shows that we can compete and succeed against tough teams in our conference. We’re excited to keep this momentum going as we continue our season.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your time, Jorden. Best of luck for the upcoming games!
**Jorden Mattison:** Thank you! I appreciate it, and I hope to see you at our next game!