Kailah Kempney [12] scored on a free position shot seven minutes into the first half to cap off a 5-0 run to open the game for the Orange. That set the tone for the remainder of the game as No. 3 Syracuse (8-1) rolled to a 17-4 victory over Harvard (3-4) Tuesday night in the Carrier Dome.
Devon Collins [13] led the team with three goals, while Alyssa Murray [14] chipped in with five points on two goals and three assists in Syracuse's victory.
“I thought we played hard,” said Syracuse head coach Gary Gait. “The defense was outstanding today. Offense created a lot of good scoring opportunities and I was happy about that.”
The Orange caused 14 Crimson turnovers and dominated 18-9 in ground balls, ultimately translating into offensive opportunities for Syracuse, out-shooting Harvard 37-13.
Murray gave Syracuse the early lead when she found the net just two and a half minutes into play and registered her second goal of the game two minutes later. Collins, Kempney and Kelly Cross [15] all contributed single goals in the teams early 5-0 lead.
Harvard didn't even register a goal until the 19:15 minute mark in the first period. But the Orange widened its lead 8-1 late in the first half after Kempney recorded her second goal of the game and her ninth of the season. During the first half, Amy Cross [16], Gabby Jaquith [17], Taylor Poplawski [18] and Kayla Treanor [19] also connected with the net to give the Orange a 10-2 lead at halftime.
Syracuse senior Katie Webster [20] struck early in the second half tallying her sixteenth goal of the season. Shortly after Collins netted a pair of goals to extend the Orange lead, 13-2.
Megan Hennessey recorded her second goal of the game for the Crimson with 9:43 left in the game but the Orange would soar on to a 17-4 win, with contributing goals from twelve different players.
“Having people finding success all over the field between the midfield and the attack is going to help us in the long run,” said Syracuse senior Alyssa Murray. “Someone who gives you a goal or two consistently in early games this season may have a break out game in ACC’s or in the playoff so having them have these consistent games just builds more confidence for when it really counts.”
The Orange welcome No. 7/8 Northwestern to the Carrier Dome on Sunday, March 23 at 1 P.M.
