BOSTON - Atlantic Hockey America's (AHA) defending champion, #8/8 Penn State, played in its season-opener against #9/9 St. Lawrence in an NCAA Regional rematch from the previous two seasons.
The Nittany Lions began their campaign with a shutout for the third time in program history, the first time since 2022-23 (3-0 at RIT). Penn State scored two goals in 21 seconds, and its third nearly five minutes later to beat the Saints for the first time in program history. Senior goaltender Katie DeSa earned her 14th career shutout.
Mercyhurst marked its first game in the win column on Thursday as it took down Hockey East's New Hampshire 3-2. The Lakers netted their game-winner on a power play goal 13:52 into the third period from senior blueliner Makayla Javier. Sophomore forward and reigning AHA Rookie of the Year Julia Schalin recorded two points (1G-1A).
Syracuse fell in its opener 0-4 to the WCHA's #6/5 Minnesota Duluth. Sophomore defenseman Jessica Cheung led all skaters with four blocks in the game.
#8/8 Penn State 3 - #9/9 St. Lawrence 0
BOX SCORE -
RECAP
Penn State Goals: Katelyn Roberts, Nicole Hall, Grace Outwater
(RV) Mercyhurst 3 - New Hampshire 2
BOX SCORE - RECAP
Mercyhurst Goals: Payten Evans, Julia Schalin, Makayla Javier
New Hampshire Goals: Kate Sullivan, Alyson Hush
#6/5 Minnesota Duluth 4 - Syracuse 0
BOX SCORE - RECAP
Minnesota Duluth Goals: Caitlin Kraemer, Thea Johansson, Josie St. Martin, Rae Mayer
Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) embarks on its second season in 2025-26 following the merger between the Atlantic Hockey Association and College Hockey America. The conference fields 10 Division I men's teams and seven women's teams. For more information, visit atlantichockeyamerica.com.
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