Syracuse Women’s Club Hockey Beats Sacred Heart 4-2

Photo by Jordan Perry, Contributing Photographer

Written by Ava Smoak, Beat Writer

The Syracuse University Women’s Club Hockey team improved to 4-1-0 Saturday after a tight battle against Sacred Heart University. SU’s aggressive defensive play and second-period scoring led to their 4-2 victory. 

Both teams came out strong defensively in the first period, limiting scoring opportunities and relying on their goaltenders to keep the game scoreless. Despite several shots on goal, neither team was able to find the back of the net. 

Freshman goaltender Kennah Brant started in net for the Orange, making multiple key saves, including a stop on a breakaway that kept the Pioneers off the scoreboard.

SU increased its offensive pressure in the second period, generating more shots on goal and challenging SHU’s defense. Six minutes into the period, the Cuse capitalized on their momentum when freshman forward Alyssa Filmer scored off assists from senior captain Ivy Dietrich and freshman defenseman Allie Leonard during a power play, marking her first goal for the Orange. Filmer said the team’s involvement in the play helped create the scoring opportunity. 

“The goal definitely hyped me up a lot and the team as well,” said Filmer. “It helped get the game flowing.”

After Filmer gave Syracuse the lead, Sacred Heart responded less than two minutes later when senior defenseman Michelle McCabe off a shot that struck the upper-left post and bounced into the net. With the game tied at 1-1, SU made a goaltender change, bringing in senior Emma Lacz as the Orange looked to regain momentum. Shortly after the change, sophomore forward Molly Sullivan scored her first goal of the season, putting them back ahead. 

The Cuse continued to build its lead when senior captain Eden Price scored following a takeaway by freshman forward Madeline Babensee to put SU ahead 3-1 heading into the final period. Price said the freshmen made a meaningful impact, noting that their contributions played an important role in the game’s outcome. 

“It’s a great time to be a freshman on our team,” said Price. “We want to keep supporting them in their journey transitioning to college hockey.”

Sacred Heart cut the lead to 3-2 with six minutes left in the third period, putting pressure on Syracuse to maintain its lead. SU responded less than a minute later when junior forward Julianna Bucci scored off another assist from Babensee, sealing the game with a Cuse victory. 

Lacz’s performance played a key role in the team’s defensive effort. She made several impressive saves after entering the second period that prevented the Pioneers from taking the lead.