Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y. –  Overtime heroics from sophomore forward Kristin Richards pushed the Niagara women's hockey team (8-11-6; 1-2-1 CHA) to a 2-1 victory over the Syracuse Orange (8-15-3; 0-3-3 CHA), Saturday afternoon in College Hockey America action at the Tennity Ice Pavilion. 

With less than two minutes left in extra time, Syracuse freshman Shiann Darkangelo was called for high sticking, giving the Purple Eagles their second powerplay opportunity during overtime.  Thirteen seconds later, junior Erin Burns connected with Richards, who ripped it past Orange goalie Kallie Billadeau. 

"We earned a victory after going through some wild patches during the game," head coach Josh Sciba said.  "They stuck with the game plan and Moses played extremely well.   Amy Helfrich was outstanding this weekend.  Every player contributed something to the win." 

Niagara's second overtime win of the season puts them one behind its record of three set in the 2007-08 season. 

For the second game in a row, the Purple Eagles struck first, this time sounding the buzzer only 1:07 into the opening frame.  Sophomore forward Jessica Hitchcock netted her team-leading eleventh goal of the season off feeds from freshmen duo Kalli Funk and Raniwsky. 

It was not until midway through the contest when the Orange tied the game at one apiece.  Sophomore forward Margot Scharfe found the stick of freshmen defender Kaillie Goonough who snuck the puck past Niagara goalie Sarah Moses.  With the game tied at one heading into the final period, the shots were 21-17 in favor of the Orange. 

Kaleigh Chippy, Raniwsky and Hitchcock each finished the weekend series with a goal and an assist, while Burns contributed two helpers.  Moses had a solid showing in net, stopping 32 Syracuse attempts on goal. 

In the coming week, Niagara will prep for a home and home series against the Robert Morris Colonials starting at Dwyer Arena on Friday, Jan. 27 and wrapping up the following day at the Island Sports Complex.  The puck will drop 7 p.m. at both games.