The No. 6 Syracuse women’s lacrosse team showed resilience after a slow start but fell short against No. 3 Northwestern, losing 12-8 at the JMA Wireless Dome on Tuesday afternoon.
Despite trailing 4-0 after the first quarter, the Orange battled back, led by Emma Ward, who recorded six points with three goals and three assists. Emma Muchnick also contributed with two goals.
Northwestern opened strong, scoring four unanswered goals in the first quarter. Sam Smith extended the Wildcats’ lead to 5-0 early in the second quarter. However, Syracuse responded with three consecutive goals to close the half, narrowing the deficit to 5-3. Ward sparked the comeback by assisting on goals by Muchnick and Joely Caramelli before scoring herself just before halftime.
The Orange continued to fight after the break. Ward’s second goal brought Syracuse within one at 6-5, but Northwestern answered with a 3-0 run, ending the third quarter ahead 9-6. In the fourth, Ward scored again and assisted on Annie Parker’s first career goal, bringing the Orange within two. However, Northwestern secured the victory with two late empty-net goals.
Ward’s three assists moved her to fourth on Syracuse’s all-time assists list, surpassing head coach Kayla Treanor. Goalkeeper Daniella Guyette made 14 saves, continuing her streak of double-digit saves.
Syracuse will return to ACC play on Saturday at home against No. 14 Clemson at noon.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
