Syracuse women’s lacrosse used a balanced offensive attack and strong defense to defeat California 13-3 on Tuesday night at the JMA Wireless Dome.
No. 15 Syracuse improved to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference play while holding California (3-4, 1-2 ACC) to its lowest goal total of the season. The Orange limited the Golden Bears to three goals, their fewest allowed in a game since a 20-2 win over Binghamton in February 2020.
Mackenzie Rich led Syracuse with four points, recording her first hat trick with the Orange and adding an assist. Molly Guzik contributed a goal and controlled the draw circle with five draw controls.
Courtney Maclay opened the scoring off an assist from Ashlee Volpe before California briefly tied the game. Syracuse quickly seized control, scoring 11 unanswered goals to break the contest open.
Eight different players contributed to the early surge, including Emma Muchnick, Rich, Mileena Cotter, Bri Peters, Volpe, Mackenzie Borbi and Gracie Britton. Rich added two late first-half goals to give the Orange a 10-1 halftime lead.
Guzik and Annie Parker continued the run in the third quarter to extend the advantage to 12-1. California snapped the scoring streak late in the period, but Syracuse maintained control the rest of the way.
In total, 11 different Orange players scored in the victory. Grace McHugh added her first career goal as Syracuse controlled the game from start to finish.
Syracuse returns to action Friday when it hosts Virginia Tech at the JMA Wireless Dome. Opening draw is scheduled for 5 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
