Syracuse University
6-9-1, 4-4-1
Mercyhurst
8-7-2, 5-3-1
Syracuse Prevails Over Mercyhurst with Shootout Magic
11/21/2025 9:33:00 PM | Ice Hockey
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Syracuse Orange women's ice hockey team delivered a thrilling performance Friday evening, defeating Mercyhurst 1-0 in a shootout at Tennity Ice Pavilion after ending regulation in a 2-2 tie.
Syracuse (6-9-1, 4-4-1 AHA) battled back from a third period deficit to force overtime and ultimately prevail in the shootout. The Orange showed tremendous resilience after falling behind late in regulation, and familiar hero Celia Wiegand scored the tying goal to send it into overtime. Ava Drabyk made 31 saves in goal through regulation and overtime, plus three crucial stops in the shootout.
Mercyhurst (8-7-2, 5-3-1 AHA) rallied behind Julia Schalin, who scored both goals, but the Lakers came up short in the shootout. Goaltender Magdalena Luggin made 33 saves in the losing effort.
How it Happened
- Syracuse outshot Mercyhurst 12-6 in the opening period but neither team could break through as both goalies stood tall.
- The Orange finally broke through at 10:08 of the second period when Stella Costabile scored the first goal of the game, assisted by Jackson Kinsler and Jessica Cheung to give 'Cuse the advantage.
- Mercyhurst responded late in the second period when Schalin tied the game at 19:12, assisted by Julia Perjus and Sofia Nuutinen.
- The Lakers took the lead at 8:10 of the third period as Schalin scored her second of the day, assisted by Maja Alenius and Sophie McKinley.
- Late in the third period, Celia Wiegand buried the game-tying goal with just 1:31 remaining in regulation on passes by Cheung and Emma Gnade, forcing overtime.
- In overtime, Mercyhurst had the power play advantage, but Drabyk and the Orange penalty kill stood strong, making nine saves in the extra frame.
- In the shootout, Heidi Knoll stepped up in the first round and buried her attempt to give the Orange the lead. Drabyk then stopped all three Mercyhurst shooters to secure the shootout win.
Behind the Numbers
- Cheung ended with a two-assist performance, three shots, and three blocked shots.
- Wiegand and Sami Gendron led the Orange defense with four blocks each.
- Gnade and Jordan Blouin led the offense with five shots each, 11 skaters had a multi-shot game in the offensive effort.
Up Next
Syracuse faces Mercyhurst tomorrow at Tennity Ice Pavilion. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. and the game will be streamed on FloHockey.
