Ice hockey closes season with losses to Mercyhurst

With not much else left to play for, Syracuse women’s ice hockey was hoping to send its seniors out on a positive note on the final weekend of the season.

Unfortunately for the Orange, they were unable to grab a win in two games at home against Mercyhurst. Syracuse fell 3-2 on Friday night and 4-1 on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s game saw the program honor a senior class that included Marielle McHale, Kate Holmes, Kailey Langefels, Darci Johal, Rachel Teslak, Haley Uliasz, Alexandria Weiss, Kambel Beacom, Rayla Clemons, Sarah Thompson, Amelia Van Vliet and Tatum White.

Photo by Jack Henry

Mercyhurst’s Jade Maisonneuve (#19) gets in front of Defender Alexandria Weiss on the way to the goal, Saturday at Tennity Ice Rink.

The Orange started poorly on Friday as they could not find any rhythm on offense. After giving up an even-strength goal about eight minutes into the game, Syracuse then had to rely on its penalty kill to keep the game close. The Orange were able to keep Mercyhurst off the score sheet on the powerplay as they went 0-5 on the day. 

The second was much better from Syracuse as they scored two goals in the period to go up. The scoring started with captain Tatum White. Darci Johal made a nice saucer pass through multiple defenders to White who slotted the puck home early in the period.

Then with little over six minutes left, Nea Tervonen scored. Graduate student Alexandria Weiss was credited with having an assist on both goals.  

Syracuse entered the third up hoping to continue the momentum it worked so hard for. They had a couple of great chances on the power play to put the game away but just could not capitalize.

Mercyhurst’s equalizer came from Sofia Ljung with just over six minutes left. After each team was assessed a roughing call, Syracuse was caught going for a change when Thea Johansson skated in free and scored the game-winning goal for Mercyhurst. The Orange had a chance to tie it up until a late penalty from Kailey Langefels sealed their fate.  

Goaltender Allie Kelley’s 40-save effort moved her into third all-time in CHA play in a single season.  

Saturday’s action saw Maya D’Arcy score for the Orange to tie the game at 1 in the middle of the second period. But the game turned when SU’s Charlotte Hallett got a five-minute major penalty for hitting from behind, which eventually led to the go-ahead goal from the visitors.

The Orange had opportunities on power plays, but couldn’t convert, finishing the game 0-for-5 in those situations.

Mercyhurst slotted two more goals in the final period to pull away comfortably.

Getting the nod as a senior, Van Vliet made a career-high 42 saves in goal for the Orange.

SU finishes the season 7-24-3 overall and 4-14-2 in conference play.