Syracuse began playing Mercyhurst in 2008. In the teams’ first 30 meetings, the teams tied twice. Mercyhurst won each of the 28 other times.

In 42 matchups since 2008, Syracuse (8-14-2, 7-4-1 CHA) has only beaten conference foe Mercyhurst (12-12-2, 9-2-1) five times. Four of the 34 losses have come in the conference playoffs, one being the CHA final in the 2012-2013 season. SU did not get its first win against Mercyhurst until the 2014-2015 season.

The Orange face Mercyhurst this weekend, a team that’s currently riding a five-game winning streak. The Lakers sit atop the CHA, while the Orange rank two spots below.

SU was swept by Mercyhurst earlier this season in a two-game series. In that series Syracuse, was outshot by the Lakers 66-45, and SU coach Paul Flanagan called the Orange’s effort inconsistent.

After the first game of that series, Flanagan said he was disappointed in SU’s effort because he felt the Orange did not “push the envelope” against the Lakers. However, Flanagan predicts more consistency and success will come against Mercyhurst this time around.

“I think this group understands the immensity of the four points,” Flanagan said. “I think we’re going to have a better sense of preparedness mentally,”

SU senior forward Stephanie Grossi said the Lakers are a hard back-checking team, and they work very hard and are “constantly going.” She believes if the Orange can match the Lakers’ effort that SU will succeed.

“I think we are focusing on our game and on what we do. We have realized if we play our game we can compete with anyone,” Grossi said. “If we’re off and not working hard and doing the little things, we struggle.”

The Orange are not doing anything specific in practice to plan for Mercyhurst despite the minimal success. SU is just continually working on defense and plans on implementing a hard floor check against the Lakers, Flanagan said.

SU senior forward Alysha Burriss stresses that the Orange are focusing on themselves and their systems rather than on Mercyhurst. She said if SU can play a full 60 minutes, they have a chance to win.

The upcoming series against the Lakers will have big implications on the CHA standings. Four conference points are at stake. With two wins, Syracuse would equal Mercyhurst’s conference record and, depending on what Robert Morris does against Penn State, could move into a tie for first in the CHA.

With just eight conference games remaining, the Orange looks to hit its stride, beginning with the upcoming series against Mercyhurst.

“We’re fighting for our lives in the league,” Flanagan said.

Published on January 24, 2018 at 9:41 pm

Contact Anthony: amkhelil@syr.edu