ERIE, Pa.- The Syracuse women’s ice hockey team scored under four minutes into the first period against Mercyhurst on Friday afternoon, but were unable to hold on, losing by a final score of 4-1 at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. Both teams will play again tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Sophomore Emily Costales gave Syracuse (11-13-3, 7-4-2 CHA) a 1-0 lead just 3:38 into the first frame, but two second period goals from Mercyhurst (12-9-4, 9-2-2 CHA) followed by two late empty-net goals paved the way for the Lakers. The loss for the Orange now puts them four points behind Mercyhurst in the CHA standings.
Senior netminder Jenn Gilligan recorded a game-high 22 saves, allowing two goals in the loss. With the 22 saves, Gilligan is now over the 2,000-save plateau in her career, combining two years at New Hampshire and Syracuse to accomplish the feat.
Mercyhurst outshot the Orange 26-22 in the contest and utilized a 21-save performance by goaltender Sarah McDonnell. Jenna Dingeldein led the Lakers with two goals, both of which came in the final minute on an empty net.
After holding a 1-0 lead headed into the second period, the Orange allowed two unanswered goals to the Lakers. Mercyhurst controlled the shot chart for the first two period and finally got the best of Syracuse with goals from Emily Janiga and J’nai Mahadeo.
Despite Syracuse applying a lot of offensive pressure in the thid period, the Orange were unable to put the puck past McDonnell. By pulling Gilligan late in the contest to get an extra skater on the ice, Dingeldein extended the Mercyhurst lead to three, 4-1.
Syracuse will look to split the series tomorrow afternoon when they take on Mercyhurst at 2 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. Both live video and live stats can be accessed via Cuse.com.
