Syracuse Makes Statement, Dominates Maryland
As the number two ranked team in the nation traveled to upstate New York to face the Orange, everyone expected a tough game akin to last week’s game against Northwestern.
The Syracuse faithful were pleasantly surprised that was not the case.
The #4 Orange stepped up to the challenge, delivering a 20-goal performance against the Maryland Terrapins in an offensive and defensive showcase. Nothing the Terps did could put themselves ahead in the game, as the Orange always found ways to respond. This now marks the second top five matchup the Syracuse have won in less than a week. The final in this one was 20-11 and it was never close after the first quarter.
The team has come together in a strong way to start out the season, with great communication on the offensive side of the field as well as defensive shifts that keep the top scorers on the opponents quiet. Coach Kayla Treanor has stressed this style of play and culture, and it has paid dividends in the opening of this tough season.
“We’ve really be focusing on playing together and playing for each other,” said Treanor. “I think that elevates the play of all of them, but especially the really talented players, knowing they don’t have to do it all themselves.”
“I think before coming into these two games, our team overall has a lot of trust in each other, and we’ve been preparing well for this kind of competition,” said Syracuse goalkeeper Delaney Sweitzer. “Just the connections we have off the field have transitioned very well onto the field.”
Meaghan Tyrell led the offense for Syracuse, notching six goals and five assists in the contest. Sierra Cockerille also shone with her five points and three assists to spread out the offense. Most of the offensive domination also came with Kate Mashewske on the draw control, winning 13 times from the draw. A total of 18 draw control victories kept the ball in the offense’s sticks and pressure on Maryland’s Emily Sterling, a fellow Tewaaraton watchlist honoree.
“As an offense, we were able to move the ball where we wanted to,” said Meaghan Tyrell. “Being able to have everyone in the play, off ball and on ball, that definitely played a part today.”
On defense, the Orange allowed a total of 31 shots from the Terrapins, but Sweitzer stopped 13 of those shots in a performance not unlike a brick wall for most of the game. Even with an incredible 13 free position shots, Maryland could not break through the Syracuse defense, who caused five turnovers on the day. Two of those turnovers came on a double woman-up opportunity for Maryland, which the Orange were quick to drain and even score on twice.
Maryland spread out offensive attacks fairly well between Libby May, Eloise Clevenger and Hannah Leubecker, but they only combined for five goals on a combined 14 shots. Many of the best scorers for the Terrapins were shut down by the defensive efforts of Bianca Cheverie and Katie Goodale, who were very physical all game.
A dominant victory puts Syracuse at 2-0 going into their first unranked opponent, the Binghamton Bearcats. Maryland falls to 1-1 and travels to Philadelphia to face the Drexel Dragons for their second of four straight away matchups.
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