UConn defeats Syracuse on Friday but falls on Saturday

The UConn women’s ice hockey team split a pair of games against Syracuse this weekend. The Huskies took down the Orange Friday 4-2 but lost Saturday 2-0.

Friday marked UConn’s home opener and the Huskies started the season with a bang as Kelly Horan found the back of the net halfway through the first period. The goal was assisted by Stephanie Raithby and Kayla Compero. The Huskies added to their lead quickly during the second period as Raithby was able to score on her own rebound, making the score 2-0 just 37 seconds into the period.

Syracuse would pull close during the second period as Jacqui Greco scored an unassisted goal of her own, then tying the game on a loose puck goal scored by Shiann Darkangelo to make the game 2-2.

Freshman, Michela Cava broke the tied score in the third period, notching her team-leading fifth goal of the season. Compero and Brittany Berisoff were credited with assists on the play. UConn would go on to add an empty net goal by Rachel Farrel to double their lead and end the game with a score of 4-2. Junior goaltender, Sarah Moses, stopped 38 shots in the win as UConn looked to carry their momentum into Saturday’s match-up with the Orange.

It was a tale of two games for the Huskies as UConn was defeated Saturday by a score of 2-0. Syracuse’s first goal came with 2:44 left on the clock in the first period. UConn had just successfully killed off a power play, but two penalty kills proved to be too much. Syracuse’s Darkangelo netted a power play goal making the score 1-0. The goal was assisted by Allie Hosoyamada. The Huskies would be out-shot 12-1 in the first period as they struggled to get any kind of offense going early.

The Orange would net their second and final goal with 18:49 left on the clock in the second period. The goal was scored on a screaming slap shot by Hosoyamada just over the shoulder of Moses. The goal was assisted by Holly C-Mattimoe.

Sarah Moses made 19 saves in the loss. UConn did manage a flurry of shots during the end of the final period, pulling their goalie for a 6-4 advantage. Unfortunately, they were unable to connect on their shots and the Huskies fell to the Orange.

“I thought we were flat today,” said Coach Linstad. “We didn’t win any one on one battles and we didn’t create any of the turnovers that you need to get on offense.

Coach Linstad was pleased with the play of her goalie, “I thought she played pretty well,” said Coach Linstad. “She’s just got to make some more covers for us.”
This weekend brings the Huskies record to 2-6-1 overall and 1-1 in the conference. UConn will play Northeastern next Friday at Freitas Forum and then in Boston on Saturday as they look to continue to improve.