The Syracuse Orange women’s lacrosse team advanced in the ACC Tournament on Wednesday afternoon, defeating the Virginia Cavaliers 11-9 in a quarterfinal matchup in Charlotte, North Carolina, as Emma Muchnick’s five-point performance powered fourth-seeded Syracuse to 13-4 on the season.
Syracuse responded quickly after Virginia opened the scoring just one minute into the contest. Muchnick answered with a free-position goal, and Bri Peters gave the Orange their first lead midway through the first quarter. Muchnick added another late in the period, and Syracuse carried that momentum into the second quarter, scoring three straight goals to build a 6-2 lead at halftime. Peters and Molly Guzik contributed during the run, while Muchnick completed her first-half hat trick.
The Orange maintained control through much of the second half. Alexa Vogelman scored early in the third quarter, and Guzik added another to keep Virginia at a distance. The Cavaliers rallied late, cutting the deficit to 10-9 with just over five minutes remaining, but Syracuse answered in a key moment. Guzik’s third goal, assisted by Muchnick, stopped the surge and restored a two-goal cushion.
Muchnick also delivered defensively, recording a caused turnover in the final minute to seal the win. Izzy Lahah set a program single-season record with her 46th caused turnover, while Daniella Guyette made five saves. Ashlee Volpe added four assists, and Peters recorded her first career multi-goal game.
Syracuse will face the North Carolina Tar Heels in the ACC Tournament semifinals on Friday, April 24 at 5 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].