Kelley Stood Strong in Syracuse Ice Hockey’s Second Loss to No. 4 Minnesota Duluth
By Ben Chadwick | @BChad214
DULUTH, M.N. – Syracuse Women’s Ice Hockey (7-14) went down to the wire in its 2-1 loss at the hands of No. 4 Minnesota Duluth (13-5-2). It was SU’s closest margin with a top-5 team since 2019’s 2-1 defeat against No. 3 Northeastern. Although the final score was tight, UMD was in complete control all the way through.
The Bulldogs never gave the Orange defense any time to rest. UMD had possession in SU territory for over 40 minutes. The Bulldogs also had a season-high 56 shots on goal in this one. For reference, their previous team-high was 48 shots in a 9-1 win over Vermont. Wondering why UMD didn’t utterly embarrass ‘Cuse in the final score? One name. Allie Kelley.
The SU goalie was nothing short of marvelous in this one. The grad student had a season-high 54 saves and the most saves she’s ever had against a ranked opponent in her career. During a five-minute power play advantage for the Bulldogs halfway through the third period, Kelley made 11 crucial saves to keep any hopes of a comeback alive for the Orange. Freshman Rylee McLeod had the lone goal for Syracuse. The forward found the back of the net off a rebound during a power play.
Syracuse returns home to host Mercyhurst (7-11-1) for a doubleheader next weekend. The Orange went 0-4 against the Lakers last season, losing by a combined 9 goals. Game one is at the Tennity Ice Pavilion at 6 on Friday, January 10th.
