The Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse punched its ticket back to Championship Weekend on Saturday, rallying from a four-goal second-quarter deficit to defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s lacrosse 13-11 in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium. Syracuse, the No. 6 seed, improved to 13-5 with the victory, while No. 3 North Carolina closed its season at 13-3. The win sends the Orange to Memorial Day Weekend for the second straight season, marking the program’s first back-to-back semifinal appearances since 2008-09.
Syracuse’s senior class delivered in the biggest moments. Joey Spallina finished with six points on three goals and three assists, while Finn Thomson scored three times and Luke Rhoa added two goals and an assist. Michael Leo also scored as the Orange closed the game on a 9-5 run after trailing 6-2 late in the second quarter.
John Mullen helped swing momentum at the faceoff X, winning 13-of-24 draws against All-American Brady Wambach while also scoring twice. Jimmy McCool anchored the defense with 12 saves as Syracuse limited North Carolina to five second-half goals.
Anthony Volpe delivers grand slam, career-high five RBI in return as Yankees sweep Rockies After North Carolina built its four-goal lead behind Anthony Raio and Brevin Wilson, Syracuse answered with three straight goals before halftime to cut the deficit to 6-5. The Orange then erupted with a six-goal run spanning the third quarter, taking control after Spallina tied the game early in the half.
Syracuse sealed the win in the fourth behind late goals from Spallina and Thomson after the Tar Heels briefly tied the game at 10.
The Orange advance to face Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s lacrosse in the NCAA Tournament semifinals on Saturday, May 23, at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville. Game time will be announced following the completion of the quarterfinal round.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.