Schepers' Late Strike Takes Down Mercyhurst in Penalty Filled Affair

No. 6/7 Ohio State traveled to Mercyhurst for a final set of games before the holiday break. Despite playing without both their leading point-getter and their hottest scorer, the Lakers gave the Buckeyes a tough game. In the end OSU prevailed in a penalty riddled contest.

Mercyhurst opened the scoring late in the first period with a goal from Sarah Hine. The Bucks answered shortly after the intermission. Maddy Field netted her ninth goal of the season to level the score.

The teams headed to the final period knotted at 1-1. Tensions were high. The officials assessed six penalties in the first five minutes of the frame. The special teams fiesta did not benefit either side, though, and the deadlock continued.

Back at even strength, Field almost gave the Buckeyes the lead with a spectacular solo effort. She was only thwarted at the last minute by Lakers goalie Kennedy Blair. Check out these dangles.

Another heads up play by our back-to-back HERO of the week! @kennedyyblair pic.twitter.com/O9FJ5SrtdF

— Mercyhurst W. Hockey (@HurstWHockey) December 16, 2017

The penalty parade flared up again late in the game. The Buckeye kill came through in a big way, nullifying nearly a minute of 5-on-3 advantage for Mercyhurst. This set the stage for a game winning strike by Buckeye freshman Liz Schepers. The goal was Schepers' third of the season and her first career game winner. 

The Lakers swapped their goalie for the extra attacker but the Bucks held off their final charge. The teams meet again tomorrow afternoon at 2pm ET. It will be the last action of the calendar year for both squads. No need to hold anything in reserve.

• A total of 15 penalties were called in the game, resulting in 13 collective power plays.
• Neither side scored with the advantage. Ohio State went 0-for-7. Mercyhurst was 0-for-6.
• The Bucks outshot the Lakers 29-20, led by Lauren Boyle and Rebecca Freiburger with four each.