Syracuse, N.Y. - The Syracuse Women's Hockey team stepped out on to the ice Saturday afternoon sporting a different color than the typical orange and blue they're used to wearing.The Syracuse Women rocked a pink theme in honor of breast cancer awareness for 'Skate for the Cure' this weekend while taking on conference rival Robert Morris University for the fourth time this season.
They had tied both games at Robert Morris earlier in the season before the Orange broke through with a 2-1 win in Syracuse Friday night.
"It's always a special game when you're not only just playing for your team but for a cause like this," sophomore forward Heather Schwarz said.
And it was Schwarz who had the game winning goal for Syracuse in the third period. She said the team has become consistent and more confident and relaxed during games.
"I just feel like these past few games I definitely had a different mind set and it just kind of showed on the ice," Schwarz said.
A tense contest
Syracuse and Robert Morris ended the first period scoreless and with a penalty a piece.
The tension could be felt between the two teams before they skated off the ice and that tension would last throughout the game.
It was during the second period though that both teams tried to make some magic happen.
Six minutes into the period, sophomore forward Laurence Porlier scored her first goal of the season; assisted by Schwarz and Eleanor Haines to put Syracuse on the board, making the score 1-0.
The Colonials were not going to leave the period without one for themselves though and with eight minutes left in the period freshman defenseman Natalie Fraser scored with an assist from Ashley Vesci, making the score 1-1.
Orange controls final period
Syracuse broke the tie six minutes into the third with Schwarz's goal, assisted by sophomore Emily Costales and freshman Stephanie Grossi.
With the third period almost over freshman Alysha Burris added one more with an empty netter, making the final score 3-1.
Syracuse's defense was a strong point Saturday and goalie Jenn Gilligan said it was nice not having to work as hard as she has in past games.
Robert Morris had a total of only 19 shots on goal compared to Syracuse's 30.
"It's a part of our team identity, you know," Gilligan said. "We're not necessarily a flashy team so blocking shots is really big for us."
Flanagan likes effort and spirit
Coach Paul Flanagan said he thought the team played much better in this game than it had the night before.
"We threw a lot of pucks away," Flanagan said. "Offensively we've struggled to score all year."
One thing he loved to see and hear was the cheering coming from the bench. Every time a stop was made by Gilligan or made by defense the players on the bench would cheer for the players on the ice.
"Heart and determination and that's really contagious," Flanagan said. "You always see the kids on the bench and the way they respond."
Flanagan agreed with Gilligan and said the team is really beginning to forge an identity and come together collectively.
And it was a game that Syracuse's younger players definitely showed up for with the three goals and
four assists all being made by freshmen and sophomores.
Orange Milestone
Along with the sweep Syracuse celebrated its 100th win for the women's hockey program, something Flanagan wasn't aware of until it was brought to his attention after the game.
The Orange will return to the Tennity Ice Pavilion next Friday, Feb. 13 to take on Lindenwood at 7 p.m.
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