NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Syracuse University ice hockey team (16-13-1, 7-5-0) overcame an early deficit and score two unanswered goals as it defeated the Niagara Purple Eagles (10-12-4, 5-5-2), 2-1, on Saturday afternoon at Dwyer Arena. The Orange, which was outshot by Niagara, 32-18, earned its seventh victory in the CHA to win the second-place tiebreaker with the Purple Eagles.
Two of SU’s leading scorers contributed to the win, including junior forward Julie Rising, who tacked on her 15th goal of the season. Freshman forward Isabel Menard added a marker for the second consecutive game to increase her points total to a team-high 33.
Things began in the same fashion as Friday night’s conference battle as Niagara came out hot and outshot Syracuse, 12-3, in the first period. The Purple Eagles were first to score yet again after leading scorer Jenna Hendrikx took advantage of a power-play opportunity and netted her 12th marker of the season with just 55 seconds remaining in the first period to take the early 1-0 lead.
Despite being outshot in the first, the tides turned and the second period was all Orange. At the 8:05 mark, junior Rebecca Gordon dished out her second assist of the year to Rising, who put in her team-leading 15th goal of the season. Syracuse continued outshooting the Purple Eagles, 10-6, which aided Menard, who added to the SU lead with less than three minutes remaining in the period with an even-strength goal. Freshman Holly Carrie-Mattimoe connected with Menard for the second straight game, while sophomore Lisa Mullan was also credited with the assist.
Syracuse was outshot 14-5 in the final period, but senior goaltender Lucy Schoedel was perfect turning away all shots on goal to help SU hold on for the 2-1 victory.
Schoedel had 31 saves, while Niagara’s Jenni Bauer turned aside 16-of-18.
The Orange closes out its home schedule against Robert Morris on Friday, February 12 at 7 and Saturday, February 13. Both games are slated to begin at 7 p.m.