Syracuse WLAX Takes Down VT in OT

By Ally Heath

SYRACUSE, N.Y – Syracuse Women’s Lacrosse (11-4) is turning its play around with the changing of the seasons. On Sunday afternoon, the team won its third straight game when it beat Virginia Tech (11-5) 12-11 in overtime on Senior Day.

After going into the locker room down 6-4 at the half, the attack came out firing, scoring four goals in the first ten minutes of the half. The defense played a major role as well, holding Virginia Tech to just three goals in 28 of the 30 minutes in the second half.

“The team stepped up all across the field, defensive end, offensive end, and it just feels awesome,” freshman Emily Hawryschuk said of the team’s second half play. Hawryschuk tallied a career best six points on the day with five goals and an assist; four of those goals came in the second half.

Syracuse seemed like it had secured a win as it entered the final minute and thirty seconds of play: SU had possession and a one goal lead, and the shot clock and the game clock were only a few seconds different. All SU had to do was hold onto the ball.

With about 30 seconds remaining on the game clock, Virginia Tech caused a turnover and recovered the ball, carrying it down the field. The Hokies’ Taylor Caskey was driving to goal when she drew a foul, prompting the free position shot that would get past Sophomore Goalie Bri Stahrr, who replaced Freshman Starter Asa Goldstock at halftime, with just four seconds remaining to force overtime.

Syracuse would win the draw to open overtime and patiently worked the ball around for thirty seconds before redshirt freshman Mary Rahal was awarded what turned into the game-winning free position shot.

“It was a battle,” head coach Gary Gait said. “Our kids never gave up and kept battling and came out with the win.”

The second half was where it all started to click for the Orange, and some of that came through motivation from the seniors on the roster.

“We came out a little flat in the first half, and you try and provide the energy,” senior Devan Parker (3 G, 1 A) said. “A lot of the younger players look up to what seniors have to say in those kind of moments and I think at halftime we were like ‘You know we’re a better team than this and we gotta play harder than we did in the first half.’”

Syracuse looks to continue its April dominance when it takes on ACC rival North Carolina (12-1) in Chapel Hill on Saturday, April 14th. Opening draw is set for noon.