Syracuse women’s lacrosse continued its surge with a 6-5 ACC victory over No. 19 Virginia on Saturday in Charlottesville, extending its win streak to seven games.
The Orange improved to 7-3 overall and 4-2 in conference play behind another strong defensive performance, holding an opponent to six goals or fewer for the fifth straight game.
Molly Guzik led the offense with two goals and an assist, while Mileena Cotter, Annie Parker, Ashlee Volpe and Caroline Trinkaus each scored once. Syracuse built a 3-2 lead after the first quarter and carried a 5-4 advantage into halftime.
Guzik opened the scoring early and added another free-position goal in the second quarter. Parker and Cotter also contributed first-half goals, while Volpe’s tally late in the second helped the Orange maintain control.
The game tightened in the second half as both defenses took over. Trinkaus scored the lone Syracuse goal of the half, capitalizing on a turnover and converting in transition to extend the lead to 6-4 late in the third quarter.
Virginia cut the deficit to one midway through the fourth, but Syracuse’s defense held firm down the stretch. The Orange forced 14 turnovers, with Izzy Lahah leading the effort with four caused turnovers and five ground balls, while Mackenzie Salentre added three caused turnovers.
Goalkeeper Daniella Guyette made four saves and helped anchor the defensive stand, including key stops in the final minutes. Syracuse sealed the win with a late forced turnover in the closing seconds.
The Orange return to action Tuesday, March 24 against UAlbany. Opening draw is set for 3 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].