Johal and Holmes Lead Orange

Saturday, January 13

Erie, PA

1:00 pm

Syracuse University

4-17-2, 1-8-1

Mercyhurst

11-12-1, 7-3-0

Syracuse

Mercyhurst

Photo by: Diana Valdivia

1/13/2024 4:28:00 PM | Ice Hockey

Box Score

Forwards Darci Johal and Kate Holmes each tallied a goal and an assist in Syracuse's 6-2 loss at Mercyhurst on Saturday afternoon in a College Hockey America game at the Mercyhurst Ice Center in Erie, Pa. Johal scored her second goal of the series to tie the game at one on a power play goal in the second period. In the third Holmes put a shot in the back of the net to bring Syracuse (4-17-2 overall, 1-8-1 CHA) within one, 3-2. Mercyhurst (11-12-1, 7-3) then scored three in a row, including two power play goals, for the final score.

In the first period, the Lakers' Thea Johansson scored just more than 4 minutes in for a 1-0 Mercyhurst advantage. Johal's goal, assisted by Holmes and forward Tatum White, knotted the game at two. In the third period, Mercyhurst opened a two-goal advantage on a pair of scores by Vanessa Upson. Holmes responded on an assist from Johal to make the score 3-2 with 11:44 left in regulation. Less than a minute later Johansson scored her second of the game for a 4-2 Laker lead. Mercyhurst scored its final two goals in the 18th minute.

Orange goaltender Allie Kelley posted her fifth 40-save performance of the season, and second of the series against Mercyhurst, recording 45 saves. She had 44 in the first game against the Lakers on Friday. Kelley has recorded at least 30 saves in 15 games this season. The graduate student climbed into the fifth spot on Syracuse's single-season record list, increasing her season save total to 729 in 22 games. The top four goalies on the list all played at least 27 games. The Syracuse single-season saves record is 946 set by Lucy Schoedel in 36 games in 2009-10.

Johal leads the team with seven goals, while Holmes is the points leader with 16 (six goals and 10 assists). Orange forward Tatum White led all players with 22 faceoff wins, increasing her season total to 247. The Kingston, Ontario native has 718 career faceoff wins, which ranks sixth in Syracuse history.

The team will host its annual 'Skate with the Orange' on Monday, January 15 from 1 to 3 pm at the Clinton Square Ice Rink. Fans of all ages are welcome to enjoy an afternoon on the ice, get a team poster to collect autographs, meet Syracuse Hall of Fame mascot Otto the Orange, and pick up free Syracuse Athletics giveaways.

Syracuse will play its final non-conference game against St. Lawrence on Jan. 16 at 6 pm at Tennity Ice Pavilion.

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