With a record of 5-3-1 the Mercyhurst women’s hockey team has been putting up a fight this season and making their presence known on the ice.

Their recent wins against University of Maine on Friday (2-1) and Saturday (5-0) showed the strength behind the team, and earned junior Amanda Makela her third consecutive nominated for College Hockey America (CHA) Co-Goaltender of the week award.

Also, sophomore Emily Janiga was able to capture a CHA player of the week award as well.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the league after a few tough games. It’s also a compliment to the team as a whole. I have to give them a lot of the credit, they played very well in front of me blocking shots, lifting sticks, and getting clears,” Makela said.

“Being CHA player of the week is an honor to me but I know I have to keep working hard every day and keep pushing myself,” Janiga said.

Makela improved to 5-3-1 while goaltending for the Lakers, after letting only one goal in on 48 shots faced throughout the weekend. She collected her third shutout of the season on Saturday in the 5-0 win.

“As a team, our biggest goal is to win a National Championship. We work hard each practice to improve and build off of each game. For myself, my goal is to be consistent in net so that my team can be confident in me and give us a chance to win every game,” Makela said.

With three goals, three assists, and six points so far this season, Janiga is fourth on the team with points as only a sophomore and is making herself known on the ice.
When asked about her goals for herself and her team, Janiga replied, “I’m looking forward to building with this team. With such a young team it is exciting to see how everyone is going to improve and what roles everyone is going to take over. With hard work every day hopefully lead us to a championship and send the seniors off with a national title.”

The Lakers are still ranked eighth in the latest USCHO.com Division I Women’s Hockey Poll which was announced Monday, and they are looking forward to their next contest against Robert Morris this weekend.

“Every game is going to be a tough and important game for us. No team ever wants to lose a game so every game we have to go out there like it is our last game and battle until the buzzer,” Janiga said.

The Lakers next contest will be against Robert Morris Friday and Saturday in Moon Township, Pa. The puck is set to drop at 3 p.m. on Friday.