ERIE, Pa. — Carter McPhail made 38 saves and Mercyhurst scored twice in both the first and third periods to defeat Niagara 5-1 on Wednesday night.
 
How it Happened
Boris Skalos and Davis Fry scored first-period goals to give Mercyhurst (3-19-3, 3-12-2) an early 2-0 lead. After Sean James extended the Lakers' advantage to 3-0 midway through the second period, Alex Murray got Niagara (11-10-3, 9-5-2) on the board at 11:52 of the second with assists from Trevor Hoskin and Jay Ahearn.
 
The Purple Eagles' comeback hopes were dashed in the third period when Brendan Lamb scored on the power play and Matteo Disipio added another goal just 40 seconds later to put the game out of reach.
 
Pierce Charleson stopped 21 shots for Niagara, which outshot Mercyhurst 39-26 but went 0-for-2 on the power play. The Purple Eagles had their chances, particularly in the second period when they fired 15 shots on goal, but McPhail stood tall for his first win of the season.
 
Niagara Notes
• Following Friday's loss, Niagara's record against Mercyhurst sits at 26-22-7.
• Hoskin averages a point per game against the Lakers with two goals and assist in three games this season. 
• Ahearn is currently riding a four-game point streak dating back to Jan. 4. In the four games he has recorded three goals and four assists for seven points. 
• Murray's goal gives the blueliner a career-high two on the season.
• Charleson has recorded 20 or more saves in 20 games played this season.
 
Up Next
Niagara will host Mercyhurst on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. from Dwyer Arena.