Wayne women earn one point in Mercyhurst series

The Wayne State women's team traveled to fifth-ranked Mercyhurst last weekend and posted a 2-2 tie Friday night. Saturday's game resulted in a 4-2 loss for the Warriors.

Tiffany Thompson, in goal for Wayne on Friday, kept the game close as she turned away 42 of Mercyhurst's 44 shots. The Wayne offense started strong as well, as senior Jessica Haydahl scored an unassisted goal just three minutes into the contest. The host team tied up the game on a power play at 8:53 of the first period, but could not get any more shots by Thompson for the first two periods.

The Warriors grabbed the lead back in the opening minute of the third period. Laura Monk set up Sam Poyton for her 15th tally of the season. But they could not hold the offensive energy, and Mercyhurst earned most of the period's remaining shots. Thompson allowed a second power play goal at 12:20 of the period, but stopped all other attempts, including three in overtime.

Saturday's contest began quiet. Thompson held steady for the first period, turning away all 12 Mercyhurst shots, and the Warriors seized the lead first, this time thanks to a Melissa Boal (pictured) goal assisted by Ashley King.

However, the second period belonged entirely to Mercyhurst. The Lakers scored three goals in the first six minutes, and despite dominating shots 13-11, Wayne could not respond until the third period.

Lindsey DiPietro pulled the Warriors within a goal at 9:04 of the third period. Laura Monk was credited with an assist. But Mercyhurst struck back less than a minute later and Wayne could not light the lamp again before the end of the game.

Thompson stopped 35 shots, bringing her weekend performance to a dizzying 77 saves.

Wayne State will host Rensselaer at the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum next weekend. Both Friday and Saturday's games will face off at 4-pm and will be the opening games for a Wayne State doubleheader with the Warrior men taking on CHA foe Robert Morris at 7-pm.