DiCiocco Still Looking for RMU Wins Record as Syracuse Sweeps Colonials

After suffering a sweep at the hands of the Syracuse Orange, Kristen DiCiocco is still looking for her 31st career win. With 30 career wins under her belt, she needs two more to surpass Brianne McLaughlin as the all-time winningest goaltender in Robert Morris Colonials history.

Since her last win, a Dec. 8 upset against the Mercyhurst Lakers, she has gone on an eight-game winless skid, including a loss to last-place Lindenwood. After an 8-3-2 start to the season, chasing McLaughlin's record has become a difficult task.

A weekend series versus conference rival Syracuse was part of the Colonials' annual Skate for the Cure weekend. Like many NCAA schools, various series in January and February are dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research.

After a Feb. 1 match against Syracuse in which RMU lost by a 3-2 tally, the squad was hoping to end the series on a positive note with a win.

The second win was a tight, defensive affair with the game remaining scoreless after two periods of play. The Colonials had outshot Syracuse by a 21-20 count. Despite four power-play opportunities in the first two periods, the Colonials could not take advantage.

Headnig into the final frame, Kelsey Thomas scored on the power play for the Colonials for the 1-0 lead. Assists were credited to Jamie Joslin and Thea Imbrogno.

Despite the lead, the Orange mounted a comeback. Margot Scharfe tied the score at the 14:56 mark of the period. Although the Colonials tried valiantly to regain the lead, Syracuse scored with one minute remaining. Nicole Ferrara scored for the Orange as Holly Carrie-Mattimoe earned her second assist.

After a monumental upset in the 2012 CHA postseason tournament, the Colonials have had trouble maintaining their momentum. Despite their historic tournament victory, the Colonials are currently in fourth place. In a College Hockey America conference that has expanded to include the RIT Tigers and Penn State Nittany Lions, the level of parity has increased.

While the Colonials have endured a season with its share of frustrations, DiCiocco always gives the squad a chance to win. As the MVP of the 2012 CHA tourney, DiCiocco is a solid goaltender who can carry her team to another postseason tournament triumph in 2013.