Syracuse Synopsis: The Week That Was and Looking Ahead

Recapping everything Syracuse Athletics and what to look forward to for the week ahead.

Men’s Lacrosse begins with their 2024 campaign later this week while both basketball programs hit the road. Here is what you need to know:

Women’s Basketball:

Record: 17-3 (7-2 in ACC) No. 21 in AP Poll & No. 22 in Coaches Poll

Last Week: 1/25 @ No. 15 Notre Dame W, 79-65 & 1/28 vs No. 19 Virginia Tech L, 75-62

This Week: 2/1 @ No. 16 Louisville (7 p.m.) & 2/4 @ Boston College (noon)

For the first time in program history, Cuse swept Notre Dame in their regular season meetings. Winning in South Bend is something that Syracuse had never even done before, and they did so in a convincing way. Tied at 51 entering the fourth quarter, Syracuse used a balanced offensive attack to produce a 23-6 run, outscoring Notre Dame by 14 in the final frame.

Searching for their fourth-ranked win of the season, SU battled back in the second quarter against the ACC- reigning champ Virginia Tech Hokies. Down 14 after the first 10 minutes, the Orange made it a four-point game heading into the second half. Virginia Tech pulled away in the clutch with Georgia Amoore leading the way with a game-high 29 points.

Coach Felisha Leggette-Jack’s squad lost their first game inside the Dome in 2023-24, snapping their 15-game win streak dating back to last season. Dyaisha Fair moved into ninth place on the all-time scorers list with her 16 on Sunday.

Another ranked program is next up in the gauntlet of conference play matchups. The Cardinals are currently at the top of the ACC with a 7-1 record, only losing to No. 24 UNC earlier this month. Boston College is a team that Syracuse already beat 71-64 on January 7, kickstarting a six-game win streak.

Men’s Basketball:

Record: 14-6 (5-4 in ACC)

Last Week: 1/23 vs Florida State L, 85-69 & 1/27 vs NC State W, 77-65

This Week: 1/30 @ Boston College (7 p.m.) & 2/3 @ Wake Forest (7:45 p.m.)

The Men’s team also was handed their first loss at home against Florida State on Tuesday night. SU’s lead evaporated midway through the second half, and the Noles ran away with it on a 26-11 run once they possessed the lead. Judah Mintz had a game-high 28 points, doing the majority of his damage at the free-throw line.

JJ Starling shined once again versus the Wolfpack for a career-high 26 points in the rebound victory. Even though Cuse was in control all night long, NC State cut the deficit to nine with 2:12 remaining to make it interesting. However, Syracuse gutted it out and capped off Dave Bing’s celebration with a win.

Back above .500 in conference play, Syracuse looks to rise in the standings with matchups on the road against Boston College (12-8/3-6) and Wake Forest (13-6/5-3).

Men’s Lacrosse:

Record: 0-0

This Week: 2/3 vs Vermont (4 p.m.)

Following an 8-7 record a year ago, the Orange begin the season at No. 9 in the Insider Lacrosse Media Preseason Poll. Cuse plays seven straight games at home before their first trip to Johns Hopkins on March 9. Head coach Garry Gait emphasized creating the most difficult schedule with nine of their 15 opponents finished in the top 20 last season.

Vermont was selected second in the America East preseason poll, one point higher than UAlbany in the eight-team conference. The Catamounts finished 9-5 (including a loss to Syracuse in the opener, 7-5) and return a good amount of their roster, including preseason All-American Patrick Murphy. Vermont brings in 11 first-year players and two transfers.

For more information about Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse CLICK HERE!

Women’s Ice Hockey:

Record: 6-20-2 (3-10-1 in CHA)

Last Week: 1/26-27 vs Robert Morris L, 4-3 & W, 2-1

This Week: 2/3-4 @ Lindenwood (7 p.m.) & (2:30 p.m.)

Cuse came back from a 3-1 deficit to force overtime before dropping the opening game of the weekend against Robert Morris Friday evening. Defenseman Kambel Beacom netted the first goal of her career with a minute remaining to force OT, but Robert Morris had the game-winner with 24 seconds left for the win.

Sarah Thompson scored both goals on special teams Saturday afternoon (one power-play and one shorthanded) in the victory. Goaltender Allie Kelly set the new program record for saves in a season with 954 in 27 games between the pipes.

Still sitting in last place in the CHA standings, SU travels to Lindenwood for a weekend series. The Lions came to Tennity Ice Pavilion in mid-November, edging out the Orange 4-3 and a third-period comeback to force a 4-4 tie in overtime. Coming off their best weekend in conference play, Syracuse could jump Lindenwood and RIT in the CHA with a sweep of the two games.

Women’s Tennis:

Record: 4-0

Last Week: 1/27 vs St. Bona W, 7-0 & 1/28 vs Cornell W, 6-1

This Week: 2/4 @ Columbia (11:00 a.m.)

The Women’s Tennis team has gotten off to another impressive start in non-conference, losing just one point in their first four matches. Their third straight sweep was against St. Bonaventure on Saturday, yet still had full control against the Big Red with a 6-1 victory.

They’ll have only one match this week against Columbia before their first in ACC play when they host Boston College on February 17. 

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