Back and Forth Affair Ends in Tie, Controversy

Allie LaCombe scored two of the Orange's goals.

Story and Photos by Cody Love

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The Syracuse Orange finally got offensive production out of its top line, but it fell short of breaking its winless streak.

The Orange wound up in its third straight tie with a 3-3 draw against the Providence College Friars Saturday at Tennity Ice Pavilion.  Syracuse may have deserved better however, as an apparent Melissa Piacentini goal was disallowed in the second period.  A scramble in front of the Providence net left Piacentini with the puck, which she appeared to slip past the goal line.

The goal was waved off on the ice, but the referees gathered for a lengthy video review before confirming the call.  According to Syracuse head coach Paul Flanagan, technical difficulties may have caused the referees to rule no goal.

"The screen was working down there, but it wasn't working on this end," Flanagan said.  "That's a shame, the re-look cost us a hockey game."

Flanagan also said that a parent filming the game from the stands had video evidence of the puck crossing the goal line.  Still he recognized that there were more opportunities for the Orange to take the game.

"There was a lot of game left after that call," he said.  "It's just unfortunate."

The rest of the game was a hotly contested affair.  The Friars (0-4-0 coming into Syracuse) scored their first non-exhibition goal of the season when Cassidy Carels netted a shot from the point just 1:20 into the game.

Syracuse held the shot advantage, but took until the first few minutes of the second period to tie the game on the power play.  Piacentini set up on Providence goalie Allie Morse's doorstep and blasted a clean pass from defenseman Nicole Renault by the junior goaltender.

"We were practicing that all week, actually all season," Piacentini said.  "I think it just came with practice."

After the controversial review, the top line came right out and put the Orange ahead.  Allie LaCombe scored top shelf over Morse's right shoulder.

The Orange's lead lasted only 46 seconds, as Lexi Romanchuk roofed a blistering slapshot from the blue line.

Providence celebrates a late go-ahead goal, only to see Syracuse tie it again moments later

The game remained tied until Providence picked up a powerplay goal with just over seven minutes remaining.  Haley Frade's shot from the boards was tipped past Syracuse freshman goalie Abbey Miller by Beth Hanrahan.

Miller made 22 saves on the day, starting in place of Julie Gilligan who was hurt in practice during the week and did not play for precautionary reasons.

Syracuse went the other way immediately off the faceoff, and Allie LaCombe scored for a second time while crashing the net.  Providence's final lead of the game lasted only 1:21.

An exciting overtime yielded many opportunities for both teams, but no goals.  Providence picked up it's first point of the year.  Syracuse will wrap up it's four-game homestand against Connecticut Sunday at Tennity Ice Pavilion.  The Orange has an opportunity to head on the road with at least a point in every home game so far, but it will be looking for its first win since opening night.