SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The Syracuse women’s ice hockey team swept its second consecutive College Hockey America series on Saturday afternoon, defeating Robert Morris by the final score of 3-2 at its annual ‘Skate for the Cure’ game at Tennity Ice Pavilion. Pink game-worn jerseys are available via Cuse.com/auctions.
The victory for Syracuse (16-13-3, 12-4-2 CHA) was its fifth win in a row, which is the Orange’s longest winning streak since 2013. Like last night’s victory over Robert Morris (14-13-5, 6-8-4), the Orange came from behind to down the Colonials.
Sophomore Alysha Burriss led the way for Syracuse, recording two points in the victory that included a goal and an assist on the eventual game-winning goal from classmate Emily Costales.
After a scoreless first frame, Robert Morris got on the board first with a short-handed goal from Brittany Howard at the 4:38 mark. Burriss evened the contest at one nearly five minutes later, beating Colonials’ goaltender Jessica Dodds with a power-play goal. Both sides went into the third period notched at one goal apiece.
The Orange came out firing in the third period and eventually took the lead when it was junior Morgan Blank going top shelf 1:55 in, delivering a 2-1 lead for Syracuse. Costales then made it 3-1 with a back-hand goal on all fours in front of the crease. Robert Morris pulled within one goal at the 8:44 mark of the third after a deflection off a Syracuse stick in front of senior netminder Jenn Gilligan, but the Orange kept their composure to come out on top.
Syracuse outshot Robert Morris 33-24 in the contest that included a 13-6 edge in the third period. Gilligan finished the contest with 22 saves while Dodds secured a game-high 30 saves.
Despite getting the sweep, the Orange still reside in second place in the CHA and will need some help from Penn State to take down Mercyhurst for a chance at the top spot. The Orange return home next weekend for a pair against Lindenwood. Both games will take place at War Memorial Arena and Saturday’s game will be Senior Day and Alumnae Day.
