Lindenwood defender Kayla Martinez shot the puck at the Syracuse goal late in the second period, but like many other attempts earlier in the game, it went straight into Allison Small’s glove. Lindenwood made an effort, but it was too late: Syracuse was already up 6-0, and Small’s shutout inched toward completion.

For the third time this season, Small didn’t let a single puck past her. Unlike her previous shutout against Robert Morris last month where she made 32 saves, she only faced 19 shots the entire game.

Syracuse’s defense helped backup Allison Small’s shut out performance as the Orange (12-16-2, 10-4-2 CHA) routed Lindenwood (5-21-3, 3-13-0) 8-0. Four defenders contributed a point and held secure Syracuse’s fourth win and second shutout against the Lions this season — completing the season sweep. Small shut out Lindenwood on Dec. 6 as well.

“We’re generating offense, but we really gotta make sure we’re dedicated to playing defense,” Flanagan said. “The offense on a night like tonight is fun…but defensively, it’s just good habits because we want things to be repetitious.”

Small didn’t see the puck until two-and-a-half minutes into the first period when she picked it out of the air off the stick of Sierra Burt for her first save of the game. On the next play, Syracuse scored a goal when Victoria Klimek passed to Allie Olnowich, who found an opening in the top right corner and scored her first of the season.

“Their goalie is pretty good down low so I wanted to get it up high,” Olnowich said. “Klimek had a really good screen up top.”

Olnowich was one of four defenders to record a point Friday night. Mae Batherson and Kristen Siermachesky also scored while DiGirolamo recorded two assists

Scoring wasn’t the only place where the defense shined. Only 19 of Lindenwood’s 28 shots were on goal, including six blocked shots by Syracuse. Small’s job simplified when the defense prevented shots from reaching the goal. On the occasion when the puck made it through the defense, rebounding it so the offense could score was key.

“When you got good D to back you up on good rebounds overall it’s just easier to play better,” Small said. 

Syracuse had a 2-on-1 opportunity early in the second period to extend its lead to four, but a pass by Emma Polaski went wide. Olonwich, a right-handed defender, recovered the puck from behind the net and passed to Siermachesky whose shot went over the shoulder of Lindenwood goalie Annika Asplundh.

Rebounding is an area that Syracuse goalies and defenders have worked on all season, Flanagan said, and he’s emphasized the importance of small or well-placed rebounds to keep the puck away from opponents. The defense was able to retrieve the puck and send it back to the offense, letting them score eight goals against the Lions. Even if Lindenwood managed to get the puck away from the Syracuse defender, they would be out of position and struggle scoring, Flanagan said.

“We have a saying, ‘don’t let them change’ and just keep them down there,” Flanagan said. “I thought our kids answered the call really well.” 

Published on February 15, 2020 at 9:56 pm

aekaylor@syr.edu | @cincinnallie