Syracuse’s first-period lead wouldn’t last as conference opponent Mercyhurst (12-9-4, 9-2-2 College Hockey America) defeated the visiting Orange (11-13-3, 7-4-2), 4-1 on Friday afternoon. The Lakers now lead the CHA standings by four points.

Syracuse took an early lead just four minutes into the game. Emily Costales scored her eighth goal of the season on a power-play goal, assisted by Alysha Burriss and Stephanie Grossi.

But the Orange would never score again on Friday, allowing the Lakers to take a 2-1 lead into the third period. Mercyhurst’s J’nai Mahadeo tied the game with 11 minutes left in the second period, while Emily Janiga scored a shorthanded goal seven minutes before the second intermission.

The final 20 minutes featured back-and-forth action that didn’t result in any scoring until the final minute. Jenna Dingeldein scored two empty-netters at the end of regulation, resulting in a 4-1 win for the Lakers.

The game featured 14 total penalties, continuing a trend of high-penalty games that Syracuse has encountered in conference play.

Mercyhurst outshot the Orange, 26-22, while goalie Jenn Gilligan had 22 saves for SU in the loss.

Syracuse faces the Lakers on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Ice Center.