Penn State women’s hockey (7-0, 3-0 AHA) was able to get the better of Mercyhurst (3-4, 0-1 AHA) 3-0 in a ranked contest.

The Nittany Lions remain undefeated after seven games, and Katie DeSa registered her third shutout of the year.

How It Happened

Despite a slow start to the game, the Nittany Lions’ third line was able to get some momentum going with a strong shift around 12 minutes into the first. Mercyhurst goalie Magdalana Luggin, however, was able to keep the game scoreless with a tough save on Nicole Hall.

Not long after, the Lakers got the first man-advantage of the game. A Maddy Christian interference minor meant Penn State was going on the penalty kill.

Mercyhurst struggled to get anything going on the power play and committed a penalty of their own shortly after the game went back to full strength.

Penn State didn’t have many opportunities, and the power play was interrupted by the first intermission. The game stood goalless after one.

It didn’t take long for Penn State to get things going in the second. Tessa Janecke scored a one-timer goal off a pass by Kendall Butze for the power play goal just 8 seconds into the frame.

The Nittany Lions started the second period with a goal 8⃣ seconds in

Check out Tessa Janecke's quick goal for @PennStateWHKY pic.twitter.com/baUYfXXicg

— Big Ten Hockey (@B1GHockey) October 17, 2025

The game remained a defensive showdown for the rest of the second period. Mercyhurst’s Julia Perjus was able to get a breakaway chance with just over four minutes left in the period, but Katie DeSa shut the door on her.

Both teams traded chances, but Penn State would hold onto its one-goal lead going into the third.

Just under eight minutes into the final frame, Penn State was able to expand its lead. Katelyn Roberts netted her second goal of the season with a rocket from the faceoff circle, beating Luggin glove-high.

Good luck stopping her from there#WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/0E6isVhojP

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) October 17, 2025

As the game neared its close, the Nittany Lions built on the lead with a Danica Maynard goal. It came off an assist by Janecke.

Dani pots the rebound to put the exclamation point on this one!#WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/I9htYtxcnS

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) October 17, 2025

Penn State’s defense remained strong through the final whistle, and they wrapped up this one with a final score of 3-0.

Takeaways

• Penn State’s defense remains strong. They record their fourth shutout of the season.
• The Nittany Lions had complete control in this one, outshooting the Lakers 35-15.
• Danica Maynard continues her strong season, leading the team in points with 11.

What’s Next?

Penn State will finish its matchup with Mercyhurst at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 18. The game will be streamed live on B1G+ and will take place at Pegula Ice Arena.