Syracuse’s Goaltending Change Nearly Sparks Comeback in a 4-3 Loss to Lindenwood

By Andrew Della Piana | @dellie_5

For the first time this season, head coach Britni Smith made a change in goal. After Lindenwood’s 4th tally in the second period, senior Amelia Van Vleet was plugged in for Allie Kelley. Unfortunately for the Orange, the momentum fell just short in a 4-3 loss to the Lions tonight. After the game, Coach Smith commented on what went into the tough decision.

“Just not her [Kelley] night, she shows up every single night for us tonight wasn’t her night and you know we unfortunately couldn’t have her back in in one of those situations so little switch up and Amilia did great. She [Van Vliet] was awesome, she did exactly what she needed for us to keep us in and gave us a chance at the end.”

“It’s a huge change, you’re really nervous, but a coach makes decisions that benefit the team and whether that’s me in net, AK, or Bella, you kind of just have to do your job and hope to trust the process with the coaches and everything. Everyone’s a valuable player on the team, whether you’re fourth line,  first line, third line, second line, and with me like you just got to prepare as if you are a starter like whether that be throwing the balls at the beginning or stretching you just always have to be locked in and prepared.”

Van Vleet pitched a 14 save shutout in her first appearance since February of last season. Now, the question is will there be a changing of the guard in the net? We’ll have to wait and see until Syracuse meets Lindenwood again tomorrow at 2:00.