The Lindenwood women's hockey team (1-7-0, 1-1-0 CHA) picked up its first win of the season on Saturday afternoon in what was a 5-3 victory over Syracuse (2-5-2, 1-1-0 CHA) from Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo.

GAME OVERVIEW
Lindenwood withstood an early push from Syracuse after the Orange earned a powerplay just 44 seconds into the opening period. The Lions got on the scoreboard first after Rachel Goff found herself open in front of the net and beat the Syracuse netminder short side. Valerie Caldwell picked up an assist on the goal. The lead was short lived, however, as just nine seconds later, the Orange capitalized on a Lindenwood turnover and tied the game, 1-1 at the 7:47 mark of the opening period. Syracuse went on the man advantage shortly after, looking for the lead. The Lions' penalty kill had other plans. Madilynn Hickey intercepted the puck at center ice, and headed the other way, finding the back of the net for the first time this season, giving Lindenwood a 2-1 lead. Sierra Burt registered an assist on the go-ahead tally. Natalie Ferenc put together a strong period between the pipes, stopping 11 of 12 shots faced, as Lindenwood took that lead into the first intermission.

The two teams continued the strong offensive play into the second period, recording a combined 412 shots, including 25 on goal. The goaltenders were strong, as Ferenc stopped all 10 shots, while the defense blocked another 11. The Lions also killed the only powerplay opportunity in the frame, as they continued to hold the slim 2-1 lead after 40 minutes of play.

Lindenwood had 1:48 remaining on the penalty kill to start the final frame and managed to complete the kill. Less than two minutes later, Maddison Stitt found the back of the net for the second time in as many games, extending the Lions lead to 3-1. Chloe Corbin made a nice play in front, picking up an assist on the goal. After the goal, Syracuse went to work, making the score 3-2 at the 5:01 mark of the final period. Lindenwood continued to hold onto the lead, but the orange found the back of the net at the 14:10 mark of the period, tying the score 3-3. Just over two minutes later, Goff snapped a wrister that beat the Syracuse goaltender for her second goal of the day. Morgan Neitzke would seal the win finding the empty net with nine seconds left, as Lindenwood earned the 5-3 win.

GAME LEADERS
Goff (2 G)
Neitzke (1 G, 1 A)
Jada Burke (16 FOW)

UP NEXT
Lindenwood will take on Penn State in a two-game series on November 5 and 6. Puck drop in game one is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET from University Park, Pa.