NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Freshman Isabel Menard scored the equalizer as time expired in the first period, but the Purple Eagles shutout SU in the final two periods at the Syracuse University ice hockey team (15-13-1, 6-5-0) was defeated by Niagara (10-11-4, 5-4-2), 2-1, on Friday evening. Menard’s goal was her 13th of the season, which ties for second on the team, while her 32 points is a team-high.
After splitting the series earlier this season, Niagara and SU are battling for second place in the CHA standings. The Purple Eagles went into Friday’s contest two points behind Syracuse in the conference.
Following a penalty on Menard, the Purple Eagles capitalized on its first of five power-play opportunity of the night when Daniela Dal Colle passed to Caitlin Jenkins in front net and put the goal in at 12:27 of the first period. The Orange found itself in the same position when NU’s Jennifer MacLean was called for tripping with 13 seconds remaining in the first period and Menard took advantage and scored the equalizer with just two seconds left in the period. Fellow freshman Holly Carrie-Mattimoe was credited with the assist.
Niagara regained the lead for good midway through the second period when Jenkins scored her second goal of the night. The game was scoreless for the remainder of the game, despite SU pulling goaltender Lucy Schoedel in the final minute.
Schoedel finished with 13 saves, while her counterpart, Jenni Bauer had 15.
The Orange and Purple Eagles will conclude its conference set on Saturday, February 6 at 2 p.m.