Syracuse University
14-14-3, 10-9-2
RIT
14-16-0, 9-12-0
Syracuse Edges RIT With Late Third Period Game Winner
2/6/2026 10:24:00 PM | Ice Hockey
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse women's ice hockey team defeated RIT 3-2 Thursday evening at Tennity Ice Pavilion, with Jessica Cheung scoring the game-winning goal with just 1:22 remaining in regulation.
Syracuse (14-14-3, 10-9-2 AHA) improved its record with the victory, holding off a resilient RIT squad that refused to go away. The Orange outshot the Tigers 36-34 in a tightly contested battle, with Ava Drabyk making 32 saves in net to secure the win.
RIT (14-16-0, 9-12-0 AHA) battled back from a two-goal deficit to tie the game in the third period before Cheung's heroics sealed their fate. Brenna McNamara made 33 saves in a strong performance for the Tigers.
How it Happened
- Syracuse struck first at 7:24 of the opening period when Jackson Kinsler found the back of the net, assisted by Nea Tervonen.
- RIT answered back quickly, as Jaidan Fahrny scored at 11:08, with assists from Addie Alvarez and Linda Rulle.
- The Orange regained the lead late in the second period when Peyton Armstrong scored at 15:15, assisted by Emma Gnade and Jocelyn Fiala.
- RIT pulled even at 17:03 of the second period when Cassandra Barnes scored, assisted by Tilli Keraenen, tying the game at 2-2.
- With time running out and the game hanging in the balance, Cheung delivered the decisive blow at 18:38, converting a pass from Blouin to give Syracuse the 3-2 victory.
Behind the Numbers
- Seven players for the Orange tallied a point on the night.
- Armstrong led all skaters with seven shots on goal.
- Sami Gendron anchored the defense with three blocked shots.
- Rylee McLeod and Makenna Williment both won 50% of their faceoffs.
Up Next
Syracuse will complete the home-and-home series with RIT tomorrow afternoon when they travel to face the Tigers at 3 p.m at the Gene Polisseni Center. The game will be streamed on FloHockey.
