Syracuse Keeps Postseason Hopes Alive With Win Over North Carolina

The Orange has now won two in a row over ranked opponents.

Before April 8, Syracuse men’s lacrosse was 0-5 against ranked opponents, playing the nation’s seventh toughest schedule, according to Lacrosse All Stars. Since April 8, they’re 2-0.

Just a week after picking up their first ranked win of the season at #14 Princeton, #18 Syracuse downed #12 North Carolina 15-14 in a game to be remembered for years to come. The win kept Syracuse's postseason hopes alive for this season, but could be seen as the turning point to getting the program back to national prominence. 

A back and forth contest the whole way through, it was apparent early on that this game would come down to the final seconds. It did just that, as the Orange and Tarheels were tied at 14 apiece with just 12 seconds left to play.

Syracuse has been led by several freshmen this year, primarily Joey Spallina, the team’s leading scorer and focal point of the ‘Cuse offense. But it wouldn’t be Spallina to step up and seal the monumental victory for his squad.

As the final seconds ticked off the game clock, graduate student Cole Kirst passed it a few yards to redshirt sophomore Owen Hiltz. He found freshman Michael Leo on a horizontal pass. Leo then made a mad dash for the right side of the twine, cutting left at the last second.

Diving left, Leo flung the ball past UNC goalie Collin Krieg. The freshman’s heroics gave his team a one goal lead with mere seconds on the clock. Leo’s 16th goal of the season could not have possibly come in a bigger moment, as it sealed a season-defining victory for his young team.

BALL GAME.

Michael Leo heroics and the Orange hang on for the 15-14 win.#HHH x #LikeNoOther pic.twitter.com/UCGTAa8ihN

— Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse (@CuseMLAX) April 15, 2023

So, has Michael Leo ever scored a bigger goal?

“No,” Leo said with a smile. “This is probably one of the biggest goals I’ve scored.”

Head Coach Gary Gait said that the main plan for the final play was simple: to score. He also praised Leo’s ability to score without hitting the goalie or entering the crease, especially given his rookie status.

“It was a great play by Michael Leo. I’m so happy for him,” Gait said. “Great play for a freshman.”

Both teams fought hard for the full 60 minutes, led on each side by outstanding individual performances. For UNC, it was Logan McGovern that drove the offense. The grad transfer from Bryant was the only member of his team to record a hat trick, scoring three goals and assisting on another. Aside from McGovern, Henry Schertzinger, James Matan and Dewey Egan all recorded two goals, with Matan picking up an assist, as well.

It was more of a team effort for ‘Cuse, but individual players came through in big moments throughout the game. Cole Kirst led the way with three goals, his second straight hat trick. One such goal came with 5:33 to play in the third period. His unassisted goal put ‘Cuse ahead 9-8 in what would be the start of intense back and forth play for the remainder of the game.

Michael Leo, Joey Spallina, Griffin Cook and Jackson Birtwistle all scored twice. Spallina also showed off his elite passing skills, tallying two assists on top of his goals, with Cook assisting a score, as well. Owen Hiltz was the true facilitator though, notching a goal and three assists on the day. Hiltz, Spallina and Kirst all totaled four points.

Hiltz, a Tewaarton Award Watch List member, was the quarterback of the SU offense, making plays happen all around him. Coach Gait says the nature of his play allows him to do so.

“He’s a great team player. He’ll do whatever’s asked of him,” Gait said. “Be ready, give to this team and they’re all on board… he exemplified that today.”

Another Tewaarton Award Watch List member had an outstanding day, but on the other end of the field. Will Mark was sensational in net yet again, recording 13 saves in the full 60 minutes of play. He is now up to 182 saves on the year with 138 goals allowed.

Collin Krieg was also impressive in net, but the Syracuse offense was incredibly efficient. Krieg tallied eight saves, but ‘Cuse scored 15 goals on just 23 shots on goal.

Syracuse improves to 8-5 on the season and 1-3 in ACC play. They are also now 2-5 against ranked opponents with two more coming up to round out the regular season. They’ll face #2 Virginia on April 22 at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU. 

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