Down 4-1 against Union with 9:52 left in the third period, Syracuse starting goalkeeper Kallie Billadeau left the game and in came freshman backup Julie Bengis. Nine minutes, 30 seconds and 11 saves later, Bengis had completed her first collegiate appearance.

Bengis, now a sophomore, is currently third on the depth chart for Syracuse, behind seniors Billadeau and Jenesica Drinkwater, who split time in net for the Orange.
In 2012-13, she played nearly 24 total minutes, stopping 21 shots backing up the two as a freshman, and is in prime position to start next year when the two finish their career.

Her only expected competition will be an incoming freshman in 2015, head coach Paul Flanagan said.

“I would say it’s for (Bengis) to get herself physically and mentally prepared throughout this year and relish all the ice time she gets and make the most of it and be prepared for next fall,” Flanagan said. “I’d love to see her in that starting role and by the time next fall rolls around she’ll be ready, I think.”

In SU’s sole exhibition game this year against the University of Guelph on Sept. 27, Bengis played the entire third period, stopping all six shots she faced. Flanagan said he was pleased with Bengis’ performance, especially the way she handled rebounds.

“I thought I played well,” Bengis said. “I didn’t have too many shots, but I did my best to control the rebounds.”

Billadeau attributed Bengis’ performance to her work ethic, calling her one of the hardest workers on the team. Billadeau said she’s watched Bengis gradually improve each practice, and all of that contributed to her clean frame against Guelph.

Despite the two seniors in front of Bengis, Flanagan hasn’t set what her playing time will be for the season. He said he’s had goalie rotations where three have played, but also rotations where one goalie played 32 out of 38 games.

“Julie will get, hopefully, some adequate ice time as we go on,” Flanagan said.

Her head coach and teammates have taken notice to Bengis’s dedication and patience. Even though Bengis might not get much ice time, she’s still making a contribution to the team.

“It’s a difficult role for Julie because it’s almost like you’re in the bullpen,” Flanagan said. “You’re not one of those starting pitchers. You’re not in the rotation. It doesn’t mean she can’t go out and play. It’s just we’ve got two good ones in front of her, that’s all.”

Published on October 15, 2013 at 12:15 am

Contact Jon: jrmettus@syr.edu | @jmettus