BOSTON - The semifinal round of the 2026 Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) Postseason began on Friday, with the remaining four programs competing in the first games of a best-of-three series.

NO. 3 LINDENWOOD VS. NO. 2 MERCYHURST
The Lakers opened up their postseason campaign by netting a goal just 3:22 into the opening period.

Freshman forward Julia Perjus scored both goals for Mercyhurst, with the eventual game-winner coming on the power play 14:29 into the third period to cement a 2-1 win.

Sophomore goaltender Magdalena Luggin allowed one goal in the opening period and stopped the 22 other shots on net by Lindenwood.

NO. 5 SYRACUSE VS. NO. 1 PENN STATE
Fresh off a Gold Medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Penn State senior forward Tessa Janecke recorded her second-ever hat trick in the conference’s postseason tournament.

Freshman forward Matilde Fantin also tallied three points for the Nittany Lions en route to a 7-0 victory.

Senior goaltender Katie DeSa earned her nation-leading 11th shutout after making 16 saves in the effort.

SCORES
NO. 2 MERCYHURST 2 - NO. 3 LINDENWOOD 1
BOX SCORE - RECAP
Mercyhurst Goals: Julia Perjus (2)
Lindenwood Goals: Michaela Paulinyova

NO. 1 PENN STATE 7 - NO. 5 SYRACUSE 0
BOX SCORE - RECAP
Penn State Goals: Tessa Janecke (3), Matilde Fantin, Mya Vaslet, Nicole Hall, Abby Stonehouse

ABOUT ATLANTIC HOCKEY AMERICA
Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) is in its second season 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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