No. 5 Syracuse field hockey snatches sixth-straight win, bests Lafayette 5-2
By Sydney Chan | @SydneyO_Chan
CitrusTV Field Hockey Beat Reporter
EASTON, P.A. — On National Field Hockey day, No. 5 Syracuse field hockey (6-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast) celebrated the only way it knows how — by another tally to the dub column. The Cuse secured its sixth straight victory and bested Lafayette (3-3, 0-0 Patriot League) 5-2.
It was a hot one — 78 degrees and sunny — though the humidity made it feel like 81. But the Orange thrived in the vitamin D, especially in the second half. The Leopards struck first in a very back-and-forth first half and held a 2-1 lead at halftime. But momentum swung early in the third quarter when SU’s relentless press defense forced turnovers and led to longer stretches of possession. From there, the Orange dictated the pace and dominated the final 30 minutes. SU scored four unanswered goals and also held a commanding 21-7 advantage in total shots, including a 14-5 edge in total shots on goal.
Grad student Bo van Kempen continued to show why she’s one of the Cuse’s most dangerous weapons, netting her fourth hat trick of the season. Freshman Ally Snyder also had a career day, notching two goals of her own, both in the second half. Their production, combined with SU’s defensive pressure, made the difference in what had been a tightly contested matchup through the first two quarters.
SU is off to its best start since 2017, when Syracuse opened 7-0 before Wake Forest ended the streak with a 2-1 overtime win. On Friday, history comes full circle. After grinding through a four-game road trip, the Orange finally return home to open ACC play against the Demon Deacons. This matchup not only offers the Orange a chance to stay unbeaten, but to avenge the loss that halted their hot start eight years ago. Follow @SydneyO_Chan and @CitrusTVSports on X/Twitter for continued season-long coverage!
