SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The defending National Champions proved to be a little too much for the Orange to handle.
After losing 9-0 to tenth-ranked Clarkson in Potsdam Friday night, Syracuse gave the Golden Knights a run for their money in the rematch Saturday afternoon, but ultimately fell short by a score of 4-1.
The game was close most of the way with Clarkson only pulling away in the last six minutes.
Syracuse played aggressively, but Clarkson's stout defensive play kept the Orange from getting many close-range scoring opportunities.
"I give Clarkson a ton of credit," Syracuse Head Coach Paul Flanagan said after the game. "That's a classic road game. They kept it to the perimeter, they did what they had to do, and then they had the players in the offensive zone."
The first period saw very little offense, with the first goal coming with less than two minutes remaining. Clarkson center Genevieve Bannon passed the puck to a wide open Savannah Harmon, who lifted it top shelf.
About five minutes into the second period, Syracuse was able to set up in the Clarkson zone and bring pressure. Larissa Martyniuk scored her first goal of the season to tie the game, beating goalie Shea Tiley.
About five minutes later, Clarkson had a power play chance. After a big initial save by Orange goaltender Jenn Gilligan, a goalmouth scramble ensued. Gilligan made several more saves but could not cover the puck, and Olivia Howe slipped it past her to give Clarkson the 2-1 lead.
Syracuse continued its aggressive play through the second and third, but was unable to come up with another goal. Cayley Mercer added two for Clarkson late, the last of which came on a breakaway.
Despite the loss, Syracuse players were proud of their ability to keep up with the defending champs.
"People shouldn't be underestimating us," Gilligan said "I think we competed with them, and we skated with them, and we got a lot of chances."
Clarkson's four-point weekend is a valuable turnaround after dropping two at home against Boston University last weekend. The Golden Knights begin ECAC Hockey League play Tuesday night with a home game against St. Lawrence.
Syracuse is also set to begin league play in the CHA. It will host Penn State on Friday and Saturday next weekend.
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