Syracuse Drops Second Game of Clarkson Series as Defensive Woes Continue

By Noah Cierzan

CitrusTV Women’s Ice Hockey Beat Reporter

POTSDAM, N.Y. – The Orange were hopeful going into its second matchup with the third-ranked Golden Knights after a close game at home on Friday. However, Saturday morning was a different story as No. 3 Clarkson (2-0, 0-0 East Coast) defeated Syracuse (0-2, 0-0 College Hockey America) 5-1.

The Orange were playing from behind from the start, both offensively and defensively. The Orange struggled on their power play opportunities, converting on just one of five. Anna Leschyshyn scored the lone power-play goal, but it didn’t come until halfway through the third period.

Paul Flanagan’s squad is now one of 11 on the power plays through two games, looking reminiscent to the team from a year ago that converted just .180 percent of power plays.

The SU defense only blocked eight shots compared to Clarkson’s 17. In the first two periods in particular, Clarkson was in SU territory for the majority of the time, putting a lot of pressure on the goalie to perform.

Allison Small got the start between the pipes on Saturday compared to Ady Cohen starting on Friday. Small faced 24 shots, letting up five goals and bringing Syracuse’s goals-allowed total to nine on the weekend.

Kayla Friesen scored two of the goals against Small, adding to her two goals and an assist on Friday.

Syracuse will have a full week off to prepare for a home date with Boston College on Saturday.

ncierzan@syr.edu | @ncierzan