Undisciplined Play Plagues Syracuse, Still Looking For First Win

By Noah Cierzan

CitrusTV Women’s Ice Hockey Beat Reporter

Syracuse entered Saturday’s matchup against Colgate with the most penalty minutes in the country.

“We’re guilty of being our own worst enemy,” said SU head coach Paul Flanagan.

SU had eight penalties including two game misconducts. This translated to a 5-1 loss for Syracuse (0-7, 0-0 College Hockey America) at the hands of Colgate (4-2-1, 0-0 Eastern College Athletic Conference).

Madison Beishuizen and Lauren Bellefontaine were responsible for the two game misconducts, which occurred within a minute of each other. After the game, Flanagan expressed his disappointment with the two ejections.

“It’s a dirty play, to be honest with you. Every kid knows it. In the hockey world you learn it when you’re six. The boards don’t give,” said Flanagan.

These misconducts led to a nearly five-minute-long 5-on-3. The Orange killed off three minutes of the penalties before Kaitlyn O’Donohoe capitalized for the Raiders.

Saturday’s loss offically marks the worst start in program history, winless through seven games.

“What makes it different this year is that we’re in these games, and then throw them away,” said defenseman Lindsay Eastwood.

SU has gone toe-to-toe with most of its tough opponents this season but not Colgate. The Orange were outshot in every single period on Saturday, unable to get the puck out of their own zone.

Syracuse also struggled once they got the puck into Colgate territory as sloppy passing gave the Raiders break-out chances.

“If you lose playing the right way so be it. But we can’t lose hockey games like this,” said Flanagan.

The Orange have allowed at least four goals in all but one game this year, but the fault has not always fallen on the goalie.

On Saturday, Allison Small had 34 saves, her second 30+ save performance of the season. Despite a personally great game, Small was visibly disappointed after the game.

“It doesn’t matter how many saves you make, still took the L, and that’s what we need to focus on,” said Small.

Syracuse has their first road trip of the season when they travel to Princeton next weekend. The Tigers have not played a game this season and will have their first action against Syracuse on Friday.

ncierzan@syr.edu l @ncierzan