Last Second Goal Beats the Orange

Saturday, February 6

Syracuse, NY

3 PM

Syracuse University

3-8-1

Mercyhurst

6-4-1

Mercyhurst

Syracuse

Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski

2/6/2021 8:09:00 PM | Ice Hockey

Box Score Photo Gallery

A goal with one second remaining in the game gave the Mercyhurst Lakers a 2-1 win against Syracuse on Saturday afternoon at Tennity Ice Pavilion. After just more than two periods without a goal, Syracuse (3-8-1 College Hockey America) and Mercyhurst (6-4-1, 6-4-1) traded goals within 45 seconds of each other to make the score 1-1 with less than 12 minutes to play. Orange sophomore defender Mae Batherson broke a 0-0 tie putting a rebound shot in the top right corner of the goal to give the Orange a 1-0 lead. Mercyhurst's Sara Boucher scored 42 seconds later to tie the game, 1-1. Boucher also scored the game winner for Mercyhurst.

"We have to start playing better and learn the little things that it is going to take to win these games late," said head coach Paul Flanagan. "We have had a lot of gut wrenching, one-goal losses this year. We have to find a way to win those games. That is a huge mental obstacle for us. We will work on that.

"Our main focus now is that we are going to win, lose, tie as a team. Individually everyone needs to do their job, watch video, focus on the things you are doing well, and recognize the things you need to work on. Moving forward it is going to take everyone on this team to get us out of this rut and get us to a position when it comes to CHA playoffs in early March."

Batherson scored her goal on an assist from junior forward Lauren Bellefontaine, who took the shot prior. It was the first shorthanded goal of the season for the Orange. Batherson has scored a point in each of the last three Syracuse games, including assists against Robert Morris and RIT.

Syracuse senior goaltender Allison Small recorded 34 saves, marking the 16th time in her career that she has recorded more than 30 saves in a game.

The Orange return to the ice on Friday at Lindenwood (8 pm, Strech TV) for a three-game series.

"Right now it is how we react and how we respond. How we come back and practice. We have a tough road trip coming up with three games next weekend and classes start on Monday. We have a lot going on and we have to get on a plane to St. Louis on Thursday. For us we have to focus on Friday night."