Syracuse Shut Out Again as #1 Wisconsin Wins 1-0

The Syracuse women's ice hockey team (0-2-1) has played three games this season and has scored zero goals in that span.

"We've got to work on our execution," Syracuse head coach Paul Flanagan said following the loss. "Lot of pucks [shot] right at the goalie's breadbasket. I think some of that comes with confidence. With a little more playing time you can start picking corners and creating better rebounds. Hopefully it's gonna come."

Syracuse held its own against #1 Wisconsin (5-0-0) in the first period, but forward Abby Roque broke through for the Badgers 6:35 into the second frame. The freshman dangled past a defenseman and sniped a backhand shot just below the crossbar for the only shot of Wisconsin's 39 to beat veteran Syracuse goaltender Abbey Miller.

Miller's save percentage of .974 is her career best in a single game, and she attributes that to the opponent. Miller is from Anoka, Minnesota, a city located about a four hour drive from the University of Wisconsin campus.

"Playing a team that's close to home gave me an extra incentive to play well," Miller said. "I thought [the team] played well today, especially since [Wisconsin] is the number one team in the country. Keeping them to a one goal game is obviously pretty good."

Despite the victory, Wisconsin's third line center Sam Cogan sees room for improvement.

"I think we came out a little slow," Cogan said. "I think a lot of it has to do with getting used to the other team and their style of hockey. I think in the second and third period we definitely picked it up."

Cogan used a reflective pink stick in the game, a stick she says means a lot to her.

"It's Cancer Awareness Month, so a bunch of girls have them, but didn't use them. I have the name 'O'Leary' on it; that's my boyfriend's best friend's name. He had bone cancer when he was younger, so I did that for him."

Wisconsin and Syracuse are set to rematch tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. back at Tennity Ice Pavilion.