Syracuse/RIT Recap

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Ahearn Photography

The Huskies started out the season on a sour note, falling to Syracuse 4-1. Overall, the team looked nervous, and even scared at some points; they weren’t connecting on passes, didn’t shoot as much as they could, and scrambled in their defensive zone. Maggie Brennolt was the lone scorer for the Huskies, with the goal coming off of a slapshot from the top of the circles. Execution was the main reason the Huskies couldn’t find the back of the net; they had plenty of chances but they had trouble finishing. Chloe Desjardins had the start in net, but she didn’t play up to her potential. Desjardins is an aggressive and agile goalie who likes to come out of the net to play the puck. On Friday night, she was all over the place. One of the big mistakes was passing the puck up the boards to the stick of an incoming Syracuse defensemen. Those types of mistakes are alright when playing a team like the Orange, but teams such as BC and BU will capitalize on all of these mistakes.

A brand new system of playing with three defensemen and only two forwards, was also a factor in the loss to Syracuse. The system overall is a great idea for this team with so many strong defensemen. In this system, the forwards will have many more passing outlets, as well as the ability to crash the net. The system also gives the defense more of a role in the offense. With the loss of Kendall Coyne, Casey Pickett, and Rachel Llanes, it’s important for this team to find the scoring touch from all the players on the ice.

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Ahearn Photography

Even though this system caused some confusion during Friday’s game, the team looked in their element during Saturday afternoon’s game vs. RIT. Right from the start, passes were crisper, and communication was much improved, especially in the defensive zone. The Huskies scored their first goal on the penalty kill, with Chelsey Goldberg taking the first shot of the game on Ali Binnington and putting the puck in the back of the net. She would go on to score another shorthanded goal later on in the game. Although the Huskies looked like much more of a team in Saturday’s game, they let RIT stay in the game for much too long. Desjardins got her second start of the year, and unfortunately did not play up to her potential. RIT’s first goal came off of a breakaway by Jess Paton as her penalty expired, and took a great shot to Desjardins glove side for the goal to tie the game. Although the Huskies defense should have gotten back to cover Paton as she got out of the box, Desjardins should easily be able to save a breakaway. Throughout the game, Desjardins made some good saves, but didn’t communicate enough with her teammates, and was, again, a little too aggressive around her crease.

The whole weekend, the Huskies were plagued by penalties. After the Orange had made it 3-1 in the third period, the Huskies started to take penalties out of frustration. If they want to be competitive in the league, they need to stay out of the box for the rest of the season.

To see the Northeastern recap and highlights from the Syracuse game, click here. To see the Northeastern recap and highlights from the RIT game, click here.

Huskies vs. Cuse Preview

The Huskies are 2-0-1 against the Orange in the past three seasons; this Friday, they will meet again in Matthews Arena. This game should be a good test for the Huskies to see how well they can work their systems against a maturing Orange team.

Kallie Billadeau will be the biggest challenge for the Huskies. Last year, the goaltender posted a .940 save percentage over 25 games, with a win-loss record of 16-9. If she continues her success this year, the Orange should be able to keep their position in the CHA standings.

Courtesy of NCAA.com

A common theme for the Huskies this season will be finding the back of the net without Kendall Coyne, Casey Pickett, and Rachel Llanes. Claire Santostefano scored the lone goal in their 1-0 win over McGill this past weekend; she could be one of the breakout players this season. Kelly Wallace and Brittany Esposito, who both had great years last year, will be counted on to contribute right away to the Husky offense. Paige Savage and Katie MacSorley round out the top returning scorers for this years squad, Savage being the potential breakout star of the upcoming season after a successful time at the US Development Camp in June. Rookies Hayley Scamurra and Hayley Masters are two strong and agile forwards who add great depth to the Husky offense. Both played well in the exhibition vs. McGill and should have two great games this weekend.

If there’s one area where the Huskies will be strong from the start, it is their defensive core. With the senior leadership of Maggie DiMasi, who amassed 23 points on 21 assists last season, and Colleen Murphy, the Husky defense should be stable and steady during Friday’s game. As long as they support Chloe Desjardins, the Husky defense should be successful against the Orange.

Early Outlook on Syracuse

Over the past few years, Syracuse has been one of the first opponents of the Huskies regular season; this year is no different. The Huskies will face off against the Orange in Matthews on October 4th, and it should prove to be good test for the team.

Courtesy of Syracuse University Magazine

Since becoming a Division I program five years ago, Syracuse has been very consistent in the standings. They are historically a solid team who wins and loses the games they should. This past season they went 20-15-1, with 16 of those games being either won or lost by only one goal. The strength of Syracuse starts in the net; Kallie Billadeau and Jenesica Drinkwater are both solid goaltenders, and as incoming seniors, they have three years of experience to help the Orange secure a good spot in the CHA playoffs. The Huskies haven’t had much trouble scoring against Syracuse in the past, but in order to set a positive tone for the rest of the season, the Huskies need to strike first. For the past two years, rookies have scored the first goal of the season, so it will be interesting to see if one of the incoming freshmen will continue this tradition.

Anchored by Akane Hosoyamada and Brittey Krebs, the Orange defense will be relied on to support their goaltenders and make the plays necessary to aid in the offense. The coaching staff have brought in two additional defensemen to help keep the defensive core strong. Their schedule next year includes some big out of conference games against BC, Cornell and Clarkson, and it will be crucial for Syracuse to perform well in those games to help set them up for their CHA opponents. As the first test for the Huskies, it will be important for them to really establish the offensive system early in this game; as long as the girls can keep get into the offensive zone and control the puck, they will be able to find the back of the net.

Courtesy of SB Nation

Six forwards will be joining the Orange squad in the fall, adding to the scoring depth of the team. Syracuse has a lot of gritty players who aren’t afraid to get in front of the net and use their bodies in order to score. The Husky defense will need to be strong in order to help out Desjardins in this first game. It is crucial for the girls on defense to fall into their system as quickly as possible. The more comfortable the girls feel on defense, the more they will be able to help out their offensive counterparts in the other end of the ice.

With all things as they should, the Huskies should come out on top. It will be important for them not to underestimate the Orange; this game will be tough and gritty, but it will be a good way for the Huskies to familiarize themselves with the systems and with each other in a game situation.

To read Syracuse’s incoming class release, click here.