The annual Virginia-Syracuse tilt is known as one of collegiate lacrosse’s best rivalries — not only because of the two programs’ tradition, but also due to its exhilarating finishes. Sunday, however, provided anything but the latter.
The No. 5 Virginia men’s lacrosse team had no answers at either end of the field for the No. 2 Orange, which dictated the pace throughout the game in their 15-9 victory. Syracuse (4-0, 1-0 ACC) shot out to a 7-0 run to begin the game and an 8-1 halftime advantage. The lone first half Cavalier goal came from junior midfielder Greg Coholan with 3:39 to play in the second quarter.
Virginia (3-1, 0-1 ACC) was more competitive in the second half, but its efforts proved futile. A two-goal spurt cut the deficit to 10-3 just under five minutes into the third quarter, but Syracuse responded by scoring the next three goals.
The Cavaliers ended the game on a 6-3 run in a stretch that included two goals by sophomore midfielder Zed Williams in the game’s final quarter.
Syracuse sophomore midfielder Ben Williams won the faceoff battle 20-7, which led to a 50-31 advantage in shots. Senior attackman Kevin Rice tallied seven points on three goals and four assists for Syracuse.
Virginia went 0-1 on extra-man opportunities, while the Orange converted 5-7 tries. Sophomore goalie Matt Barrett recorded a career high 20 saves for the Cavaliers.
Virginia will next face No. 13 Cornell on Saturday in Klöckner Stadium. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
-- Compiled by Robert Elder
Read More
No. 6 women’s lacrosse fall to Boston College, eliminated from ACC Tournament
By Lauren Halak | 6 hours agoThe Cavaliers' subpar conference record caught up with them in the first round of the ACC Tournament.
Virginia baseball overcomes miscues, dominates James Madison at home
By Emory Huffman | 15 hours agoPitching was rocky, but Virginia's offense did enough to earn a comfortable win.
Shelby Bavin races towards the flames — and the finish line
By Eleanor Lynch | 19 hours agoA standout Cavalier has a standout story.
