Syracuse survives double overtime and advances to the semifinals

The conference tournament season is underway in women’s college hockey, and third-seeded Syracuse has advanced past the first round. Following a 3-2 double-overtime victory over sixth-seeded Robert Morris, the Orange have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.

Head coach Britni Smith commended her team after securing their first win in extra time this season.

“Trust in the process,” Smith said when asked what she told the team during overtime intermissions. “Trust that we’ve put in the work this season for moments like this, and just remind them that the game hasn’t changed. It’s another 20 minutes of hockey. Play your game, play confident, continue to do the little things well, and I thought they did a really good job with it.”

This game focused heavily on defense, and Syracuse performed exceptionally well. Although Robertthe Orange 42-27, SU’s defense remained steadfast, doubling the Colonials’ saves. Graduate goalie Allie Kelley had a significant impact, recording 40 saves—a remarkable achievement in any game. Morris outshot

Orange Strike First, But Colonials Rally

The first period had little action, aside from a failed power play by Robert Morris. Both teams took shots but squandered easy opportunities. This quickly changed at the start of the second period.

Immediately, Robert Morris looked to break the scoreless tie with a tip-in goal, but it was negated due to goalie interference. Syracuse seized the chance, as Heidi Knoll netted a breakaway goal to give the Orange the lead.

Syracuse went into the second intermission with a 1-0 lead, but it didn’t last long. In the third period, Jersey Phillips tied the game early for Robert Morris, and Morgan Giannone scored 10 minutes later to put the Colonials up 2-1. With time winding down, Robert Morris appeared to have control—until penalties changed everything.

Late Power Play Sparks Syracuse Comeback

With five minutes left, Robert Morris’ Emma Goding and Mya Kearns were both called for holding penalties—the first penalties assessed to the Colonials throughout the game.

Syracuse wasted no time capitalizing. Graduate forward Brynn Saarela scored a power-play goal to tie the game and send it into overtime. The first overtime period was slow-paced, with both teams fatigued and neither creating many scoring opportunities.

Then, at the beginning of double overtime, freshman Peyton Armstrong scored the game-winning goal with another power-play shot.

“[Maya] D’Arcy did a great job rushing the puck up and pulling the defense toward her. The puck landed on my stick, and I honestly blacked out a bit,” Armstrong said. “I didn’t even know I scored until everyone came on the ice!”

Looking Ahead: Syracuse vs. Mercyhurst

With the victory, Syracuse advances to the semifinals. The Orange will head to Pennsylvania next weekend for a best-of-three series against second-seeded Mercyhurst. Syracuse only managed to win one game against the Lakers during the regular season, but following an exciting first-round victory, the Orange carry momentum into the next round.

A Cinderella story in March may be unfolding.