Three unanswered goals lifted No. 2 Syracuse field hockey over No. 11 Boston College 3-1 in the ACC Championship quarterfinals Thursday afternoon. The win came in the first ever ACC tournament game for the Orange.
After letting up an early score in the 17th minute to BC’s Chapin Duke, SU’s top three scorers took over the game. The Orange tied up the game five minutes later, and took the lead shortly after, scoring in the 22nd, 28th and 35th minutes. Leonie Geyer [13], Emma Russell [14], and Lauren Brooks [15] scored each of Syracuse’s goals, respectively.
Senior Leonie Geyer started Syracuse’s scoring in the 22nd minute, assisted by Russell and Jordan Page [16]. Geyer netted a drive on a penalty corner to tie the game at 1-1.
Minutes later, Sophomore Emma Russell gave the Orange a 2-1 lead. Boston College goalie Leah Settipane stopped two shots before letting up Russell’s go-ahead rebound score.
As time wound down in the first half, Syracuse fought for insurance. The Orange got it off the stick of Lauren Brooks, redirecting a Geyer drive in a diving effort with almost no time left on the clock.
The second half was scoreless, as neither squad could connect after taking four shots each. The Orange ultimately outshot the Eagles, 18-8, and recorded five penalty corners to BC’s one. Syracuse goalie Jess Jecko [17] notched her 16th win of the season, recording six saves.
Second-seeded Syracuse plays in the semifinal Friday at 3:30 p.m. The Orange take on third-seeded North Carolina, who advanced after its 3-2 win against Wake Forest.
