Syracuse Women's Lacrosse Suffers First Loss in Regular Season Finale vs Boston College
For the first time this season, the Syracuse Orange have been defeated by their opponents, their lone loss of the regular season coming against the Eagles of Boston College in a 17-16 slugfest at SU Soccer Stadium. After tonight, Syracuse has gone from undefeated in the regular season to second seed in the ACC tournament, with Boston College now taking that coveted number one seed.
“I thought we came out on fire in the first half, and everything seemed to be going for us in the first quarter, and then it flipped to them in the second half,” said Syracuse head coach Kayla Treanor. “Especially in the fourth quarter they were really able to take it away and tie it up, take control and win. Overall, I’m really proud of the team, and I wish the score was different at the end, but it was a great college lacrosse game tonight.”
Things started out great for the ‘Cuse, with the Orange scoring seven goals in the first quarter and jumping out to a quick 11-6 lead at halftime. With a first half hat trick from Maddy Baxter and an assortment of goals from the usual suspects on offense, it looked like any other Syracuse women’s lacrosse game after half an hour of play.
However, it was the Eagles that took over the second half, lowering the deficit to four with Kayla Martello and Mckenna Davis leading the scoring. Finally, the offense spread their wings and scored seven goals of their own in the fourth quarter, holding the hometown heroes to two scores in the final fifteen minutes. The draw controls went the way of the maroon and the defense got bested, leading to a game-sealing goal by Davis in the final 90 seconds of play.
A crucial no-call on a shot to Tessa Queri with less than four minutes left made both fans at SU Soccer Stadium and coach Treanor livid, as it was one of a few no-calls or questionable fouls called by the officiating crew on the night. Boston College had their way in the offensive zone, earning 10 free position shots compared to Syracuse’s four. The Eagles were able to capitalize on those opportunities and inch their way back within striking distance to secure a key victory for the program.
Despite the sting of a loss to end the season, this night was not without celebration, as a major milestone was reached by one of the three Tewaaraton Award finalists for Syracuse. Graduate Student Meaghan Tyrell scored two goals and assisted on a goal from her sister Emma, which was enough to solidify her at the number one spot for career points in Syracuse history with 397. She passes Katie Rowan, who was passed by Tyrell’s head coach Treanor in 2016.
“I wasn’t really thinking about [breaking the record], I just saw my sister open and passed it to her,” said Tyrell on the record-breaking point. “Now looking back on it, it’s a little sweet, its awesome, and I’m sure our mom really loved that.”
Though the regular season ends on a disappointing note, a 15-1 record and number one team in the nation is a season for the ages, and now that the season goes into tournament play next weekend in Charlotte, NC, the gloves will really come off between the top programs in college lacrosse and the ACC. Syracuse will begin tournament play in the quarterfinals in Charlotte on Wednesday, April 26, where the Orange face the winner of Pitt and Virginia Tech.