Syracuse outshot RIT 40-26, but couldn’t finish chances on Friday night in the Gene Polisseni Center in Rochester.

RIT (11-14-4, 7-8-0 College Hockey America) senior Mallory Rushton’s goal 49 seconds into the second period was the difference in SU’s (8-19-2, 8-6-1) first conference loss in February.

SU nearly doubled RIT in first period shots and controlled possession, winning 12 of 19 faceoffs.

Despite the solid start, SU gave up the lead when Rushton broke through. More of the same continued through the second, as Syracuse out-shot the Tigers 17-11 but couldn’t capitalize. Senior Brooke Avery, who had four shots in the game, hit the pipe.

SU’s leading scorer Emma Polaski paced the Orange offensively with eight shots on net and four other skaters recorded four chances. Defenseman Allie Munroe launched 18 shots, but only four ended up on goal.

Ady Cohen, making her second straight start in net, stopped 25 shots. She earned CHA Goalkeeper of the Week last week by recording her first shutout of the season against Mercyhurst.

As a team, the Orange struggled on power plays, going 0-for-3 on the night. Entering the night, SU led the conference in power play goals per game (0.93).

RIT and Syracuse meet again tomorrow night in Tennity Ice Pavilion at 7 p.m.