Behind a strong all-around performance featuring eight different point-scorers, Northeastern women's hockey started its season on the right foot with a 5-2 win over Syracuse on Friday afternoon at Matthews Arena.
The Huskies were all over the Orange in the first, controlling the flow of the game looking every bit the better side. After 12 dominant minutes, Julie Knerr's interference penalty gave Northeastern its second power play chance. Just eight seconds into the power play, freshman Lucie Povova deflected sophomore Sonia St. Martin's (two assists) shot past Syracuse's Jenesica Drinkwater for the Huskies' first goal of the season.
Northeastern made good on controlling the run of play just three minutes later, after freshman Kendall Coyne found junior tri-captain Casey Pickett in the slot to make it 2-0. Coyne would later add an empty-net goal and earned first star in her collegiate debut; the Palos Heights, Ill., native repeatedly used her speed on the forecheck to gain possession in the Syracuse's zone, and had the Orange defense on its heels all afternoon.
Syracuse managed to turn the tide towards the end of the first period, keeping Northeastern at bay with numerous power play opportunities. Finally, after freshman Ann Doherty went to the box for body-checking, Holly Carrie-Mattimoe tallied her first of the season to make it 2-1 to Northeastern. The comeback did not last long, however, as junior Brittany Esposito intercepted a sloppy Syracuse pass, walked in on goal and buried a wrist shot into the top corner to once again double the Huskies' advantage.
The Orange again attempted a comeback in the third period, and again the offense came via the power play. After graduate tri-captain Dani Rylan was sent off for checking with seconds to go in the second period, Syracuse captain Megan Skelly notched another power play marker to bring the deficit back to a goal. The Orange launched an offensive assault at senior goaltender Florence Schelling in the third period; their 14 shots equaled their total of the previous two periods combined.
Northeastern stood firm, however, and put the game away with six minutes to play, as sophomore Katie MacSorley, who led the team in goals last season, got in on the act with an assist from junior Siena Falino. Coyne added the empty-netter to put the Huskies at 1-0 for the season.
The Huskies look to keep up the momentum Saturday afternoon with a 3 p.m. home clash against Colgate.