The taste of defeat

The Colonials suffer a heartbreaking 4-0 loss to the Lakers.

Sarah Heastings and Sarah Heastings

The Robert Morris University Colonials hosted the Mercyhurst University Lakers on Feb. 5 at 84 Lumber Arena, and in a heated battle, the Lakers upset the Colonials 4-0.

The first period started off strong. Play was even, with both teams exchanging turnovers and shots on net. RMU had decent puck possession, and the Lakers were forced to play at the Colonials’ pace.

Defender Leah Carlson was sent to the box on a hooking penalty at 5:08. Even with strong on the puck play from the Lakers, RMU was able to kill the penalty.

At 14:02, however, Mercyhurst’s Hannah Bale put the Lakers up on the board with an even strength goal. She was assisted by Molly Blasen and Jaclyn Arbour.

The defeat was already starting to show, but RMU held MU off until the end of the period. The Colonials headed to the locker room with an ominous feeling in the air.

Merely 4:10 into the second period, the Lakers’ Rachel Smith scored yet another even-strength goal. She was assisted by Jenni Macaskill and Emily Janiga.

Goaltender Jessica Dodds was visibly frustrated, as was the Colonial defense.

10:41 into the second, the frustration became more evident as MU’s Brooke Hartwick shot another one past Dodds. She was unassisted in scoring the third even strength goal of the night.

Seven minutes later, at 17:37, Mercyhurst’s Sarah Robello scored the final goal of the night. Her goal was at even strength, and came on assists from Kathy Donohue and Molly Blasen. The Lakers were up 4-0.

The second period ended, and the dejected Colonials headed back to the locker room. When they returned however, fan favorite Jessica Dodds was replaced by back up Lauren Bailey. Bailey kept the third period scoreless, but the damage had already been done.

The Lakers finished the game on top with a final score of 4-0, a difficult score to swallow for a Colonial team that is normally very good.

RMU will try to shake off the loss, as they face Mercyhurst again on Feb. 6 at 84 Lumber Arena. The puck drops at 3:05 p.m.