SU women’s lacrosse secures third straight win over No. 20 Virginia

No. 9 Syracuse women’s lacrosse secured its third straight ranked victory Saturday afternoon, with a 6-5 win over No. 20 Virginia. 

After three consecutive losses to open its season, all against the current top-three teams in the country, the Orange have won six in a row. SU’s defense was on full display. Virginia only tallied seven shots on goal and committed 19 turnovers.

“Hats off to the defense, they’ve been our anchor all year,” Syracuse head coach Regy Thorpe said.

Syracuse defender Izzy Lahah recorded four caused turnovers and five ground balls, while midfielder Mackenzie Salentre tallied three each of caused turnovers and ground balls. One of the biggest moments of the game came when Orange midfielder Annie Parker received a yellow card and a two-minute penalty. SU’s woman-down unit completed a full kill of that penalty while allowing zero goals. 

The ‘Cuse’s defensive prowess has been in full swing this season. For the past seven games, its opponents haven’t scored more than six goals. The Orange’s win over the Cavaliers was the second straight game with the same score. SU beat No. 5 Yale 6-5 in the JMA Wireless Dome on Tuesday. 

Even though the Orange scored just six goals, midfielder Molly Guzik led the way with two scores and an assist. The sophomore also led the ‘Cuse with five draw controls, which, against UVA, was impressive. 

“Galica is a handful. If it becomes a make-it-take-it game, then it’s gonna be a long day for SU,” coach Thorpe said before Saturday’s game. 

Midfielder Kate Galica is UVA’s all-time draw control leader and ranks third in the ACC with 84 wins at the draw circle. Guzik and Galica battled all day, but in the end, Syracuse’s 7-6 advantage at the draw circle proved key to its victory. 

“Virginia is one of the best draw units in the country. To come out on top by one was a huge bonus for us, and we needed every possession,” Thorpe said.

The second half was a defensive showdown. Virginia didn’t score for 32 minutes, from the end of the second quarter until halfway through the fourth quarter. UVA midfielder Livy LaVerghetta cut SU’s lead to one with seven minutes left, giving her squad a chance to tie the game late. 

The Orange went on a drought of their own. After a Caroline Trinkaus goal with eight minutes left in the third quarter, SU didn’t find the back of the net for the rest of the game.

After seven straight wins, Syracuse jumps to No. 5 in the newest Inside Lacrosse polls and travels to face UAlbany for a matchup with the Great Danes at 3 p.m.