Dominant Weekend from Syracuse Women’s Club Hockey (11/9-11/10)

Syracuse Dominates Springfield College in Aggressive 6-1 Victory

Date: November 9, 2024, 12:30pm

Location: Smead Skating Arena, Springfield, Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – Syracuse proved their dominance in a commanding 6-1 victory over Springfield College in an action-packed and aggressive matchup that kept all who watched on the edge of their seats. From the opening faceoff, both teams came out with intensity, but it was the Orange who capitalized on their opportunities and came out on top in this physical battle.

Syracuse set the tone early, showcasing their speed and physicality, while Springfield College struggled to match the tempo. Despite Springfield’s best efforts to slow down Syracuse, the Orange took the lead midway through the opening period. Two skillful goals were scored by Hannah O'Dowd early on, giving the Orange a lead in the first period. A quick wrist shot from Leah Landry straight out from the penalty found the back of the net, which was a defining moment in this game. In the second period, Syracuse continued to build momentum with an explosive offensive showing. A quick-fire goal from Shira Mandell assisted by Eden Price in the second period put Springfield College on their heels, increasing the Orange lead to 3-0. Each goal came off perfectly executed passes and well-timed shots that left Springfield’s goalie little chance to react. The physicality of the game also ramped up in the second period, multiple penalties were called on both teams throughout the rest of the game including two back-to-back penalties from Syracuse’s Leigh Wilkin. Syracuse’s penalty kill unit stood strong, blocking shots and keeping Springfield from capitalizing on their opportunities. Syracuse finished the second period up 6-0. During the third period, Springfield managed to break through with a single goal, reducing the deficit to 6-1. Springfield wouldn’t allow a Syracuse goal in the third period but it didn’t matter, the Syracuse Orange walked away with a determined 6-1 win.

Player of the Game: Ali Swenson

Final Score:

Syracuse [6] - Springfield College [1]

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Syracuse Triumphs 4-2 Over Colgate in Thrilling Game

Date: November 10 2024, 2:00pm

Location: Class of 1965 Arena, Hamilton, New York 

HAMILTON, NEW YORK – Syracuse finished their back-to-back weekend with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Colgate University in a thrilling contest that saw stellar goaltending from both sides, early dominance by Syracuse, and a dramatic last-minute goal to seal the win. The game, which marked the debut of Montana Graves, was a display of grit, skill, and resilience for the Orange. Syracuse came out strong in the first period, the first few minutes were controlled by the Orange, as they set the tempo early on. Just 3:42 into the game, Syracuse jumped to an early lead when Neve Padulo found the back of the net with a goal that just trickled back to the goaltender. Padulo wasn’t done yet. Less than five minutes later, she struck again. Colgate's defense had no answer for Padulo’s quick reactions and powerful shots, and Syracuse looked poised to run away with the game. Despite Syracuse's early lead, Colgate was far from finished. The Raiders came out with renewed energy in the second period, controlling much of the possession and putting pressure on Syracuse’s defense. Goaltender Harper Keenan was called upon to make several key saves, and they stood tall under the barrage. The Raiders finally broke through in the second period when Colgate got a clean shot past Keenan, cutting Syracuse’s lead to 2-1. The goal seemed to give Colgate more confidence, as they kept up the pressure for the remainder of the period. Despite their best efforts, Syracuse managed to respond just before the end of the second period. With just 1:04 remaining in the second period, Syracuse’s Shira Mandel scored to give Syracuse a two-goal lead once again. The third period saw both teams exchanging chances, but it was clear that Colgate had come to compete. The Raiders pushed hard in the final frame, on a delayed penalty Colgate scored a top corner goal on Emma Lacz, narrowing the score to 3-2. With time ticking away and Colgate pushing for the equalizer, the game became increasingly tense. The pressure was mounting on Syracuse, but Lacz continued to stand strong between the pipes, making a series of key saves to keep the Orange in front. Then, with under a minute remaining in the game, Syracuse’s Amanda Wheeler made a crucial play to score, securing a Syracuse win. 

This matchup between Syracuse and Colgate was a stark contrast to the teams’ previous meeting on October 20th at the Tennity Ice Pavilion, where Syracuse dominated with a 9-1 victory. Colgate came into this game with a revamped approach, showing a much more aggressive and structured game than in their earlier loss. They managed to create several scoring opportunities, and their offensive push in the third period made for a tense finish.

Despite Colgate’s improved play, Syracuse’s strong early performance, balanced attack, and stellar goaltending ultimately proved to be the difference.

Player of the Game: Montana Graves

Final Score:

Syracuse [4] - Colgate [2]