The Orange Dominate in 7-1 Win Over Ithaca

The Syracuse Women’s Club Ice Hockey team earned a 7-1 victory over the Ithaca Sirens in its second home game on Sunday afternoon. A dominant, offensive opening and a strong defensive close secured SU’s third win of the season. 

The captains took control immediately, with senior forward Ivy Dietrich scoring just 15 seconds into the game on an assist from senior defenseman Bryana Treon. The early goal set the tone for Syracuse’s offense, as Treon recorded a second assist on freshman forward Isabelle McQuaid’s first goal of the season.

The Orange continued to pressure the Sirens when junior forward Julianna Bucci scored off a rebound after freshman defenseman Allie Leonard’s shot was blocked. The play marked Leonard’s first career assist and point as an Orange. Leonard then assisted on another goal, as sophomore forward Charlotte Robards scored in front of the net. Senior forward Hannah O’Dowd capped Syracuse’s five-goal period with a long-range shot with 20 seconds left on the clock. 

On the other end of the ice, freshman goaltender Kennah Brant made several key saves to keep Ithaca off the scoreboard. In her first start for the Orange, Brant helped anchor the team’s defensive effort. 

After the Sirens scored in the second period, Brant said that she focused on clearing her head and preparing before the start of the third period. 

“I think we can always learn from every game that comes before,” said Brant. “If we just keep building on systems and supporting each other on the ice, we’ll be good.”

Despite a slow start to the second period, SU kept creating scoring opportunities, forcing Ithaca’s goaltender to make several saves. With three minutes left in the period, Dietrich found the net again to put the Orange up 6-0. Ithaca responded late when freshman forward Madeline Babensee, a Syracuse player who stepped in to play for the Sirens, scored the team’s first goal of the game. 

Syracuse maintained control in the final period, limiting Ithaca’s opportunities to close the gap. Sophomore forward Audrey Mitchell scored the last goal of the game after finding the bottom left corner of the net off assists from Dietrich and O’Dowd. After allowing Ithaca’s lone goal, Brant regrouped and helped SU hold onto its 7-1 lead with a strong performance in the final period.

The Orange will look to open their three-game weekend with a victory against Niagara University on Friday at 6:15 p.m at the Tennity Ice Pavilion. 

Written by team beat writer Ava Smoak

Photo by contributing photographer Savannah Shoen