The Syracuse women’s lacrosse team beat the Virginia Tech Hokies, 12-11, on a Mary Rahal goal in overtime on Senior Day. The win moved No. 11 Syracuse to 11-4 on the season and 4-1 in ACC play.
Syracuse looked impressive in the opening seven minutes, dominating possession and the Orange took a 2-0 lead on goals by Devon Parker [10] and Alie Jimerson [11]. However, No. 15 Virginia Tech (11-5, 2-3 ACC) quickly tied the game and the two teams battled back and forth.
Syracuse goalie Asa Goldstock [12]made a few crucial saves to keep the score tied in the first 15 minutes. After Syracuse regained the lead at 3-2, Virginia Tech took over the last 10 minutes of the half, scoring three straight goals to take a 5-3 cushion with three minutes left.
With just under two minutes left in the period, Parker scored as the shot clock expired to bring Syracuse within one. However, Virginia Tech answered with just 40 seconds left to take a 6-4 lead into halftime.
After a quick Virginia Tech goal to give the Hokies a 7-4 lead to start the second half, Syracuse began to take over the game. Following a stagnant first half on offense, the SU attack began to pass and move the ball against the Virginia Tech defense and limit its turnovers. Syracuse head coach Gary Gait [13] told the team at halftime that they needed to do a better job of limiting their turnovers and controlling the flow of the game.
“[I told the team] just be a little more patient, move the ball, handle the pressure and they're going to pack their zone and we are going to find open players,” Gait said. “We did, and we made plays when we needed to.”
Syracuse attacker Emily Hawryschuk [14] was the catalyst for the second half comeback. The freshman scored a career-high five goals, including four in the second half. Hawryschuk attributed SU’s improved performance to staying composed and not committing silly mistakes.
“I think we got a little flustered in the first half,” Hawryschuk said. “We forced a little bit too much. I think we had 13 turnovers at the half. So, we just settled it down, took a deep breath, looked for the right look, the cutters, and it all just fell into place in the second half.”
After Hawryschuk gave Syracuse an 11-9 lead, the Orange slowed down the tempo with seven minutes left, limiting the number of opportunities for Virginia Tech.
During this time, Syracuse had multiple opportunities to score, but couldn't convert. Virginia Tech made them pay with two goals in the final two minutes, including the game-tying goal with four seconds left.
In overtime, Syracuse patiently passed the ball around until Virginia Tech committed a foul near the crease. Rahal [15] then converted the game-winner, her 20th goal of the season.
Syracuse will return to action on Saturday at North Carolina. First face-off is set for noon in Chapel Hill.
Notes
Sunday's game was the eighth all-time meeting between Syracuse and Virginia Tech. Syracuse has won all eight.
