Kelley makes history as SU splits with Robert Morris
Kelley makes history as SU spilts with RMU
Kelley surpassed the program’s single-season saves record over the weekend.
It was another record-setting weekend for graduate goaltender Allie Kelley as Syracuse women’s hockey split the two-game set with Robert Morris.
Kelley broke the program record for most saves in the season as the Orange fell 4-3 in overtime on Friday but bounced back to win 2-1 on Saturday.
On her 19th save of Saturday’s game, Kelley set a new Syracuse record for most saves of the season, eventually ending the game with 26 saves to give her 954 for the season. She surpassed Lucy Schoebel’s record of 946 saves in the 2009-10 season.
When asked about the milestone Kelley said, “Honestly I am just happy we got the win on home ice. It’s been a while.”
The special teams for the Orange came up big in a different way this weekend. Syracuse was able to grab two shorthanded goals, including the game-winner on Saturday.
But the power play was not clicking as it went a combined 1-for-10 over the two-game stretch.
“They have a good kill, kudos to them for the pressure they’re able to sustain when down a man. Will take a look to see what we need to do better,” said coach Britni Smith.
In Friday’s action, the first goal came with Syracuse a woman down as senior forward Rayla Clemons was caught with a high stick. Grad student Darci Johal was able to spring for a breakaway. She went forehand then backhand, and tucked away the puck for her tenth goal of the season. She is the only SU player to have double-digit goals so far.
In the second period, the Orange really let off the gas, giving up three goals and squandering a big 5-on-3 powerplay opportunity. Robert Morris’ second-period dominance was punctuated with a Shailynn Snow breakaway goal as she exited the penalty box midway through the period.
Entering the third, Syracuse knew they needed a big period and it delivered. Just over five minutes into the period freshman Nea Tervonen scored her second goal of the season to make it a one-goal game.
Then with just one minute left in the period and goalie Allie Kelley pulled for the extra attacker, defender Kambel Beacom scored her first career goal to tie up the game.
“It was pretty special to me. It’s been a few years coming. A lot of hard work has been put in behind that, but stung a little bit to not get the win,” said Beacom.
Robert Morris wouldn’t go away though, as it took a sprawling block from Johal to send the game into overtime.
In OT each team had multiple chances and breakaways but ultimately it took a mistake on a Syracuse line change with just under 30 seconds left that led to a 3-on-1 chance, which Robert Morris freshman Thalia D’Elia scored.
After grabbing a hard-earned point, Syracuse wanted to go out and grab all three from the second game of this two-game set.
The Orange started Saturday’s game strong, controlling the puck and keeping it in the offensive zone.
They were rewarded when they drew a holding penalty on RMU’s Morgan Giannone. Sarah Thompson was in the right place at the right time as she pounced on a rebound and poked home the game’s first goal.
‘Cuse domination continued into the second period until Robert Morris forward Calli Arnold found the back of the net to tie the game up late in the period.
But the Orange wasn’t going to let this one slip away.
After graduate defender Rachel Teslak came up with an interception, she fed Thompson for her second goal of the game and the eventual game-winner.
Late in the game Syracuse captain Tatum White and Tervonen had to win crucial faceoffs in their defensive zone to help seal a hard-earned 2-1 victory.
The Orange are now 6-20-2 overall and 3-10-1 in conference play. Syracuse will next be in action at Lindenwood on February 2nd. The puck will drop at 7 p.m.
is a contributor for The NewsHouse.
is a photographer for The NewsHouse.