Melissa Piacentini’s goal with 11 seconds left in regulation sent the Syracuse hockey team into overtime for the 10th time this season, but Emilee Buiieid managed to capitalize on a three-on-one opportunity in overtime to take down the Orange 4-3.
Syracuse moved to 6-12-8 (4-4-4 in league play) on the season with the loss, despite out-shooting the Tigers 27-21 in the contest.
The Orange applied the early pressure, but came away trailing after the first period. Syracuse out-shot the Tigers 11-6 in the frame, but it was RIT who capitalized twice.
RIT got on the board first, just eight seconds after a ‘Cuse penalty ended, with Marissa Maugeri beating goaltender Jenn Gilligan top shelf from the top of the circle. Celeste Brown and Lindsay Grigg each recorded assists on the play.
Heather Schwarz got the Orange on the board just over three minutes later. Megan Quinn started the play behind the Syracuse net and she found the tape of Schwarz who led an odd-man rush into the Tigers’ zone. Schwarz sent the puck to Danielle Leslie, who quickly sent it back to Schwarz to finish the play.
The SU lead wouldn’t last long however, as a Maugeri found Emilee Bulleid in front from behind the cage after a deflected puck pushed the Orange defense out of position. Christa Vuglar was also credited with an assist on the play.
Just over five minutes into the second period, the Orange used its first power play chance of the game to even things up at two. Jessica Sibley wrapped around the back of the RIT goal and put it between the legs of net minder Ali Binnington for the score. Melissa Piacentini and Stephanie Grossi each recorded assists on the play.
Sibley’s goal was her team-best eighth career point against RIT.
Maugeri would again provide an answer. After the puck was dug out of the corner by Carly Payerl, Kolbee McCrea fed the puck in front to Maugeri for the go-ahead tally.
With exactly one minute remaining in regulation, the Tigers were sent to the box after being whistled for a trip.
The Orange pulled Gilligan to set up a 6-on-4 opportunity in which Nicole Renault blasted a shot from the point that deflected off Piacentini’s stick for the equalizer. Alysha Burriss was also credited with an assist on the play.
The goal was Piacentini’s eighth power play goal of the season, a mark which ties for first in the nation.
RIT managed to answer with 2:18 remaining in the overtime period after a ‘Cuse turnover led to a 3-on-1 chance. Bulleid managed to find the top-corner from the edge of the slot to take the game.
Syracuse still sits in third in the CHA despite the loss with 12 points.
Next up for the Orange is a conclusion of its eight game road swing with a pair of games at Penn State. Puck drop for the opener on Friday is scheduled for 7 p.m.
