Grossi's Hat Trick Sends 'Cuse Past Lindenwood; Senior Day Tomorrow

Friday, February 19

Syracuse, NY

3 p.m.

Syracuse University

17-13-3 (13-4-2CHA)

Lindenwood

8-21-4 (5-10-4CHA)

Lindenwood

Syracuse

Sophomore Stephanie Grossi netted her second hat trick of the season on Friday.

Grossi's Hat Trick Sends 'Cuse Past Lindenwood; Senior Day Tomorrow

2/19/2016 6:23:00 PM | Ice Hockey

Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- Backed behind the second hat trick of the season from sophomore Stephanie Grossi, the Syracuse women's ice hockey team defeated Lindenwood by the final score of 6-1 at War Memorial Arena on Friday afternoon. Both teams will return to War Memorial tomorrow where the Orange will honor their five seniors at 3 p.m. on 'Senior Day.'

Grossi''s three-goal game for Syracuse (17-13-3, 13-4-2 CHA) extended the Orange winning streak to six games. In the College Hockey America win over Lindenwood (8-21-4, 5-10-4), seniors Melissa Piacentini and Nicole Renault each broke the all-time program assist record and are currently tied for the lead with 58 total.

The Orange currently sit in second place in the CHA and could use a Mercyhurst loss to Penn State for a shot at first place. Syracuse already clinched a playoff bye, but are looking for the top seed for a tournament advantage.

Syracuse got things going early in the first frame, as Grossi scored her first goal just four minutes into the contest off an assist from sophomores Megan Quinn and Alysha Burriss. Burriss also had a big day for the Orange, finishing the contest with three points that included a goal and two assists.

Grossi gave Syracuse a 2-0 lead midway through the first period with a wrister that beat Lindenwood netminder Nicole Hensley. Grossi's two goals in the first period sent the Orange into the first intermission with a two-goal lead and things were just getting started.

Under five minutes into the second period, Syracuse extended its lead to three when it was senior Nicole Ferrara netting her team-leading 14th goal of the season. On the goal, Piacentini broke the all-time assist record by recording her 20th assist of the season, giving her 58 all-time. Nearly 10 minutes later, Grossi found the back of the net for the third time, delivering the Orange a 4-0 lead at the 15:16 mark that sent Syracuse into the break up by four.

Despite a goalie change from Lindenwood, the Orange came out firing in the third frame, beating Jolene deBruyn just 16 seconds into the period. Piacentini, the Syracuse all-time leader in every offensive category, gave Syracuse a comfortable 5-0 lead with her ninth goal of the season. Just one minute later, the Orange found themselves up 6-0 as Burriss collected a pass from classmate Emily Costales, burying it past deBruyn for the goal. On the goal, Renault tied Piacentini for the all-time assist record with her second apple of the contest.

Sophomore goaltender Abbey Miller was nearly flawless for the Orange in net, blocking 20 shots to pick up her second win of the season. Miller had a shutout rolling until the waning moments of the contest, as Lindenwood finally got on the board with only four minutes left. Shara Jasper made it 6-1 at the 16:10 mark of the third period, but the Orange already had the game won.

Both teams will return to action tomorrow at War Memorial Arena for 'Senior Day' at 3 p.m. Seniors Nicole Ferrara, Jenn Gilligan, Danielle Leslie, Melissa Piacentini and Nicole Renault will all be honored. The ceremony will take place at approximately 2:45 p.m.

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