Three minutes into their first of two games at the WindJammer Classic, Vermont went up 1-0. With the game UVM goalkeeper Melissa Black had in net, that was all the scoring they needed to beat Syracuse.

The Catamounts goalie saved all 30 shots she faced in UVM’s 2-0 win over the Orange (4-9-1, 4-3 College Hockey America). SU is now 0-6-1 against non-conference opponents.

SU had its fair share of chances to equalize. In the second period, Abby Moloughney took the puck right from a UVM defender to set up a one-on-one with Black. Moloughney attempted to deke left and beat Black on the right, but Black stood her ground, and Mologouhney backhanded the puck wide of the net.

Then, with 9:38 left in the second, a UVM boarding penalty put SU on the power play. But 30 seconds in, junior Anonda Hoppner was penalized for slashing and the game returned to even strength.

Once 4 versus 4 play expired, Vermont’s Sammy Kolowrat made SU pay on the man-advantage. The UVM captain lifted a one timer past Maddi Welch’s left shoulder to give the Catamounts an insurance goal.

14 minutes into third period, Black mishandled a blast from the point by defender Lindsay Eastwood, but regained her composure and denied both Kelli Rowswell and Jessica DiGirolamo right in front.

Of the Orange’s 0-6-1 record against non-conference opponents, their first six decisions came at the hands of Top 10 opponents.

SU will get another crack at a Top 10 opponent Saturday when they play No. 8 St. Lawrence in the consolation game at 4:00 at Gutterson Fieldhouse in Burlington, Vermont.

Published on November 23, 2018 at 10:23 pm

Contact Tim: tnolan@syr.edu