Piacentini Records 100th Point In 3-1 Win Over Penn State

Friday, December 4

Syracuse, NY

7 p.m.

Syracuse University

8-9-1 (5-1-1CHA)

Penn State

4-10-3 (1-3-3CHA)

Penn State

Syracuse

Senior Melissa Piacentini became the first Syracuse player to record 100 points.

Piacentini Records 100th Point In 3-1 Win Over Penn State

12/4/2015 10:30:00 PM | Ice Hockey

Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- Senior Melissa Piacentini dished out two assists for the Syracuse women's ice hockey team against Penn State on Friday night, becoming the first player to ever record 100 career points for the Orange. Behind Piacentini's two points, the Orange defeated the Nittany Lions by a final score of 3-1 in College Hockey America play.

Junior Jessica Sibley also registered two points for Syracuse (8-9-1, 5-1-1 CHA), including the game-winning goal to pick up two crucial conference points for the Orange. Senior Jenn Gilligan was big in between the pipes, tallying 15 total saves against Penn State (4-10-3, 1-3-3 CHA).

"That was a huge two points for us tonight. Every point in the league that we can garner is very important," head coach Paul Flanagan said. "That was a good character win. I give Penn State a lot of credit. I think they came at us pretty hard and were ready to play."

Despite senior Nicole Ferrara giving the Orange a 1-0 lead headed into the second frame, Penn State outshot Syracuse 9-3 in the first period. On the Ferrara goal, Piacentini recorded the 100th point of her career, dishing an assist on a flurry in front of the crease. Gilligan made a save on all nine shots that came her way, keeping the Nittany Lions scoreless at the intermission.

After playing majority of the second period ahead 1-0, Syracuse eventually let up its only goal of the contest, as Amy Petersen beat Gilligan to tie the game at one. Both sides headed into the locker room after the second period tied 1-1.

Sibley netted the eventual game-winning goal at the 16:43 mark, collecting a pass from Piacentini to give the Orange a 2-1 advantage. With Penn State eventually pulling goaltender Celine Whitlinger on a power play, the Nittany Lions were eager to tie the game up. Sophomore Stephanie Grossi came up big with a blocked shot. As the puck found its way to classmate Emily Costales, who scored an empty-net goal to give the Orange a 3-1 lead with only 10 seconds left.

Syracuse will return home tomorrow to play against Penn State for the second contest of the weekend pair starting at 3 p.m. at Tennity Ice Arena. Both live video and live stats can be accessed via Cuse.com.