The Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse team defeated the Virginia Cavaliers men’s lacrosse team, 14-9, on Saturday at the JMA Wireless Dome, earning a key Atlantic Coast Conference win and improving to 10-3 overall and 2-1 in league play. Syracuse responded from its previous setback with a dominant second-half performance, fueled by strong goaltending and a decisive scoring run.
Jimmy McCool anchored the victory with 16 saves, holding Virginia to single digits for the first time in the series since 2015. Syracuse’s defense tightened as the game progressed, causing five turnovers and shutting out the Cavaliers over the final 18 minutes, 43 seconds. Offensively, the Orange leaned on balanced production, with Luke Rhoa and Wyatt Hottle each recording hat tricks while adding an assist. Joey Spallina led the unit with five points on two goals and three assists, moving within one point of tying Michael Powell’s program record. Contributions also came from long-stick midfielders Billy Dwan III and Chuck Kuczynski, as well as faceoff specialist John Mullen, who scored in transition during a pivotal third-quarter surge.
After trailing early, Syracuse built a 7-6 halftime lead before breaking the game open with three goals in a 90-second stretch to start the second half. That burst created separation, and although Virginia briefly cut the deficit to two, it would not score again after the third quarter. Syracuse added three late goals to put the game out of reach and secure its eighth top-20 win of the season.
Syracuse will host Colgate in its regular-season home finale on Saturday, April 18 at 5 p.m. at the JMA Wireless Dome, where the program will also honor its senior class.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.