As Kallie Billadeau prepared during practice this week for Syracuse’s conference opener against Robert Morris, the sophomore goaltender knew she would be a step ahead of the Colonials.

‘Mentally, it has been nice to get that freshman year under my belt,’ Billadeau said. ‘I know this team. I know how they shoot, how they play, so it gives me that little bit of an edge.’

The Orange (8-10) will need to rely on strong goalie play against an improved Robert Morris (10-2-1) team if it wants to steal two wins on the road and head into Winter Break with a .500 record. Head coach Paul Flanagan said he will continue to rotate Billadeau and Jenesica Drinkwater in net to keep things fresh between the pipes. The duo has built on solid freshman campaigns and will lead SU into conference play on Friday at 3 p.m. against Robert Morris in Moon Township, Pa. The two teams meet again Saturday at 2 p.m.

Consistency in goal was a recurring theme as Syracuse went 2-0-2 against the Colonials last season. In the conference rivals’ first regular-season meeting at Tennity Ice Pavilion last January, Billadeau survived five power-play opportunities and only allowed one goal to help SU roll over RMU 5-2. The next day, Billadeau stepped up again, saving 29 shots — including 15 in the final period — to help the Orange hold on for a close 3-1 win.

Drinkwater also made contributions between the pipes against Robert Morris, saving 36 shots in a 2-2 overtime tie Feb. 18.

When the Orange suits up this Friday, Billadeau will have an advantage over her opponent, something she didn’t have as an inexperienced starter last season. The goaltender said her three competitive starts against the Colonials last year gives her confidence heading into the weekend.

‘(Robert Morris) is a great team, and they are even better this year,’ Billadeau said. ‘But we know we can play with these guys and that gives us some confidence.’

Flanagan’s goalie play for both games this weekend will be crucial if SU wants to improve on its subpar road record. The Orange is 2-5 away from Tennity Ice Pavilion this season.

Flanagan has rotated the goaltenders to eliminate the monotony of a single-goalie system and sustain an element of surprise.

Senior goaltender Stephanie Jones, who plays sparingly, adds to that experienced group of goaltenders.

‘(The rotation) keeps the three of them on their toes,’ Flanagan said. ‘We mix it up a little bit so we aren’t so predictable. It’s not any kind of mind game, but we have to keep them guessing a little bit so that they stay sharp and keep pushing each other.’

With Billadeau and Drinkwater both scheduled to start a game this weekend, the sophomore goaltenders must be mentally prepared to face an aggressive Robert Morris power-play attack.

The Colonials have converted more than 30 percent of their power-play opportunities this season, scoring 23 goals on 75 attempts. SU, in comparison, has just 10 goals on 78 attempts with an advantage.

‘We always say your goaltender has to be your best penalty killer,’ Flanagan said. ‘Whoever is in net needs to play well, help us kill penalties and just be consistent.’

The SU offensive attack, which scored a season-high six goals in a win against Lindenwood last Friday, is coming off arguably its most productive weekend of the season. Senior forward Megan Skelly said when Syracuse’s goaltending is strong, it motivates the offense to step up and play more aggressively.

Flanagan agrees.

‘Goaltending, like a pitcher or a quarterback, it’s just critical,’ he said.

awmirmin@syr.edu

Published on December 7, 2011 at 12:00 pm