By SYDNEY ALTSCHULER
Coming off an eight-day layoff for Thanksgiving break, the Cornell women’s ice hockey squad returned to action on Monday night, playing host to long-time rival Mercyhurst. Despite a strong performance from the Red, the game was capped at a 1-1 overtime tie.
Similar to past matchups in the series between the Red and the Lakers, the game remained tight for the fully 60 minutes of play. Both teams jumped out to a quick start in the opening period with strong offensive production. Additionally, both squads generated many scoring chances in the first, but the Red was the first to come through just over 13 minutes in. Cornell’s lone goal came from junior defenseman Morgan Richardson off a drop pass from senior captain Brianne Jenner.
Looking for the equalizer in the second period, Mercyhurst racked up 14 shots on net during the frame. The Lakers couldn’t get one past Cornell sophomore goaltender Paula Voorheis, however, and the Red held the lead for the first half of the second period. Mercyhurst’s junior forward Hannah Bale managed to beat Voorheis at the 10:56 mark to tie up the score at 1-1. Freshman forward Brooke Hartwick set up the play, winning the puck battle in her own defensive zone and passing it up the rink to sophomore forward Taylor Accursi, who took it up the left wing. Accursi took a low shot to the far post but Voorheis held on for the save. Bale capitalized on the rebound for the goal.
Sophomore goaltender Paula Voorheis had a strong showing in the matchup, stopping 27-of-28 shots for her best performance of the season. (Sonya Ryu / Sun Staff Photographer).