Lake Superior State hosted Michigan State for a pair of ACHA Women's Division I hockey games this weekend, as college hockey returned to Sault Ste. Marie. But with the ongoing renovations at Taffy Abel Arena, the Lakers welcomed the Spartans to Big Bear Arena, the facility which has hosted each Laker team throughout the construction process.

On Friday, the Lakers (0-4, 0-4 CCWHA) bagged a goal from April Vocke, who scored at 16:07 of the second period on the power play. It was the first Laker goal for the sophomore, with assists from Josie Vance and Darcy Cooke. The Lakers had trailed 2-0 at that point, after a pair of first period goals by MSU. The strike cut the deficit to 2-1 and put the Lakers in striking distance for a short time. But just over a minute later, the Spartans got a goal back from Olivia Reinick, restoring a two goal lead and setting the final score. Kaylee Lang stopped 43 shots for LSSU. Through three games this season, the sophomore from North Bay, ON, CAN has a .915 save percentage.

The Lakers were defeated 2-0 on Saturday afternoon at Chi Mukwa. First year goaltender Lauren Blattenberg drew her first career start for Head Coach Matt Parker and impressed with 36 saves. It was an excellent debut against a quality opponent, one that the Lakers can build off of moving forward. Though they dropped both of the weekend's contests, they've established themselves as a team in the thick of things in the CCWHA.

Next, the Lakers head north to face Sault College on Friday and Saturday at the Northern Community Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, CAN.

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