Lakers Top Orange Friday Night

Friday, February 21

Erie, PA

6 PM

Syracuse University

12-17-2, 10-5-2CHA

Mercyhurst

17-9-5, 11-3-3CHA

Syracuse

Mercyhurst

2/21/2020 8:21:00 PM | Ice Hockey

Box Score

ERIE, Pa. - Syracuse (12-17-2, 10-5-2 CHA) saw its six game unbeaten streak come to an end Friday night with a 6-2 loss to College Hockey America rival Mercyhurst (17-9-5, 11-3-3CHA) in Erie, Pa. Allie Olnowich (2-4-6) scored for the second straight game, and Jessica DiGirolamo (8-14-22) recorded her third-consecutive point in the loss. Goalie Ady Cohen hit the 40-save mark for just the second time of her career. Syracuse closes out the series tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.

How it happened:
Mercyhurst limited the Orange's offense early on and kept Cohen busy. The Lakers' Maggie Knott put her side ahead 15 minutes into the opening period following a series of shots at the Orange net. Mercyhurst didn't celebrate Knott's ninth of the year for long though as Olnowich sounded the horn to tie things at one a piece, the goal just the second of her career. The tie didn't last long as Mercyhurst's Rachel Marmen scored one in the dying moments to give her team a 2-1 advantage after 20 minutes. The Lakers outshot 'Cuse 20-7 and forced Cohen to make 18 saves in the period.

Mercyhurst took hold of the game in the second period, scoring twice on 11 shots. Syracuse had back-to-back power play opportunities but couldn't make anything happen on seven player-up shots.

The offensive explosion continued into the final period. The Orange managed to cut the deficit to two midway in when DiGirolamo lit the lamp for the eighth time this year, making it 4-2 Lakers. Mercyhurst worked to respond and found its answer three minutes later when Jordan Mortlock scored her first of the year. Summer-Rae Dobson then scored to give the Lakers a healthy 6-2 lead and close out game one of the weekend. Lakers goaltender Jenna Silvonen finished the night with 22 saves.

Up Next:
Syracuse and Mercyhurst conclude the series tomorrow afternoon inside the Mercyhurst Ice Center at 2 p.m.. Fans can follow the action live via Stretch TV.

One Last Go Around:
Syracuse returns home Feb. 28-29 for the final series of the regular season. It's senior weekend and signed poster giveaways will be happening both days. The Orange will celebrate their seniors in a pregame ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 29. Parking and admission to all Orange ice hockey games are free.

For complete coverage of Syracuse ice hockey, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Women's Ice Hockey), Twitter (@CuseIce) and Instagram (@CuseIce).