Syracuse women’s lacrosse challenged defending national champion and top-ranked North Carolina but came up short, 13-9, Friday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome.
The Orange (0-2, 0-1) held a halftime lead and remained within striking distance into the fourth quarter before the Tar Heels pulled away late. Caroline Trinkaus, Molly Guzik and Emma Muchnick each scored two goals to pace the Syracuse offense, with Guzik adding an assist for a team-high three points. Goalkeeper Daniella Guyette recorded 14 saves.
North Carolina (2-0, 1-0) was led by Chloe Humphrey and Kate Levy, who each totaled five points on three goals and two assists, while Caroline Godine added two goals and two assists.
After North Carolina opened the scoring, Syracuse responded with three straight goals to close the first quarter and take a 3-1 lead. The teams traded goals throughout a back-and-forth second quarter, with Muchnick scoring in the final minute to give the Orange a 6-5 halftime advantage.
The Tar Heels regained momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Syracuse 3-1 to take an 8-7 lead entering the final period. Guzik tied the contest early in the fourth quarter, but North Carolina answered with a decisive three-goal run to seize control. Trinkaus later cut the deficit, but the Tar Heels added two late goals to secure the win.
Syracuse returns to action Friday, February 20, traveling to face Stanford at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].