Syracuse’s First Place Hopes Dashed after 5-0 Loss to Robert Morris
By David Edelstein
CitrusTV Ice Hockey Reporter
MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Entering the night still fighting for a chance to win first place in the conference, Syracuse (10-20-3, 10-7-2 College Hockey America) went scoreless at Robert Morris (14-13-6, 12-4-3 CHA) for a 5-0 loss in the Orange’s second to last game of the regular season.
With the loss, SU now stands in third place in CHA, still with 22 points. Robert Morris has officially clinched the regular season CHA title, now with 27 points. Mercyhurst now stands alone in second place with 24 points after the Lakers afternoon victory over RIT.
Despite the lopsided scoring, both Syracuse and Robert Morris ended the game with 25 shots on goal. Syracuse just could not capitalize on its opportunities like the Colonials. The Orange came up empty on their two power play chances. Meanwhile, the Colonials capitalized on their player-advantage opportunities, scoring on two of three.
Robert Morris commanded the game from the start of the first period and did not let up.
Amber Rennie opened scoring 3:49 into play with a power play goal to give the Colonials the early 1-0 lead. Brooke Avery had only been in the penalty box for 22 seconds on a hooking call before the goal was scored. That was all RMU would need in the game, but the Colonials went on to score four more times.
Anjelica Diffendal scored with 6:00 remaining in period one to give Robert Morris a 2-0 lead heading into the second intermission. The Colonials doubled their lead in the second period, giving the Orange no space to come back in the game.
With Maddi Welch brought in to replace Ady Cohen as the goalie, Kristen Welsh scored a power play goal with 5:03 remaining in regulation to make the final score 5-0. Victoria Klimek was in the box for a hooking call at the time.
Syracuse plays its final game of the regular season at Robert Morris Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
The CHA tournament begins Wednesday March 6 in Buffalo.
dzedelst@syr.edu | @davidzedelstein
