The Lindenwood women's hockey team (0-7-0, 0-1-0 CHA) dropped its CHA opener to Syracuse (2-4-2. 1-0-0 CHA) by a score of 3-1 on Friday afternoon from Centene Community Ice Center. The Lions compiled 35 shots on goal, a season high.

GAME OVERVIEW
The Lions carried most of the play in the opening period, outshooting the Orange, 9-3. The Syracuse defensive unit was strong across the first 45 minutes of play, blocking seven shots while the goaltender stopped nine more. On the other end, Syracuse had few chances on the other end, but Julia Maguire made some big saves early, as the game remained scoreless after 20 minutes of play.

The Orange made some offensive adjustments during the intermission as they compiled 28 shots, including 17 on goal during the second frame. It would be Lindenwood who would get on the board first, however, as Maddison Stitt pounced on a loose puck in front of the Orange net and gave the Lions a 1-0 lead at the 4:34 mark of the period. Syracuse pushed for the game-tying goal shortly after as the Orange earned a powerplay opportunity at the 12:24 mark of the second period. Syracuse would tie the game on the man advantage, making the score 1-1 with just under six minutes to play in the second. That would be the score at intermission.

Each team battled for the lead in the third in what was a back-and-forth period. The Lions managed to kill off an early penalty that carried over from the second frame, earning one of their own shortly after, but were unable to convert. Just over three minutes later, Syracuse took the lead at the 8:34 mark of the final frame. Lindenwood kept working despite the deficit, putting pressure on the orange defense, which resulted in a penalty shot after an Orange defender covered the puck in the crease. Kaitlin Finnegan was denied by the Syracuse netminder, however. The Orange were able to hold onto the slim lead and salt the game away with an empty-net goal late in the period, seeing the game reach its final 3-1 result.

GAME LEADERS
Kayla Martinez (4 shots, 2 SOG, 3 Blocked Shots)
Maguire (35 saves)
Stitt (1 G)

UP NEXT
Lindenwood wraps up its series with Syracuse tomorrow. Puck drop is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. from Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo.