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 [6] 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 [7].
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.
