Syracuse Ice Hockey Sweeps Weekend Series
By Brandon Ross
Syracuse entered the weekend with a golden opportunity to jump the standings in the College Hockey America conference. If the Orange pulled off the weekend sweep, SU would tie Robert Morris for second place. Syracuse succeeded in Rochester on Saturday, taking down RIT 6-0 to complete the series sweep.
The Orange once again scored first when Victoria Klimek found the back of the net in the first period. The scoring was far from over, as SU’s offense exploded for five more goals in the second period. Alysha Burriss found the top shelf early and freshman Taylor Curtis notched the first goal of her young career. Emma Polaski knocked one past Tigers goalie Jenna de Jonge on the power play. Finally, Savannah Rennie scored twice, once off a rebound for goal number three and Syracuse’s final goal near the end of the period.
Edith D’Astous-Morea played goalie for the Orange on Saturday after Abbey Miller started on Friday. The freshman had a career day in net.
After surrendering nine goals in her last two outings, D’Astous-Morea shut out the Tigers while racking up a career-high 38 saves. SU’s defense also thrived on the penalty kill, shutting down five RIT power play opportunities.
The game was special for senior forward Stephanie Grossi. After assisting on Rennie’s first goal, Grossi now stands alone as Syracuse Women’s Hockey’s all-time points leader with 113.
Tied with RMU for second place in the CHA, the Orange now sits three points behind first place Mercyhurst. With only four games left to play in the regular season, Syracuse looks to finish in the top two of the conference to secure a first-round bye in the CHA tournament. SU will travel south for its next challenge on Friday when it heads to Missouri to take on Lindenwood.