Sixth-seeded No. 10 Syracuse field hockey drops heartbreaking shootout loss to second-seeded No. 4 Virginia, 3-2 (UVA 4-1 SO) in ACC Semifinals

By Sydney Chan | @SydneyO_Chan

CitrusTV Field Hockey Beat Reporter

LOUISVILLE, K.Y. — For the second time this season, Syracuse’s fate against Virginia came down to a final penalty stroke. And for the second time, heartbreak followed.

Sixth-seeded No. 10 Syracuse field hockey (12-6, 3-5 Atlantic Coast) left it all out on the field in a heartbreaking shootout loss to second-seeded No. 4 Virginia (16-1, 7-1 Atlantic Coast) in the ACC Semifinals, echoing the teams’ regular-season meeting when the Cavaliers sealed a 2-1 win on a last-minute stroke. 

After battling for over 80 minutes, the teams went to a best-of-five shootout. The Hoos converted their first three strokes, while the Orange made just one — a sinker from senior Lana Hamilton. In the UVA’s fourth attempt, Amelie Rees went head-to-head with SU goalkeeper Tane King, but after officials called a foul on King for using her backstick to swipe the ball away, Virginia was awarded a penalty stroke. Junior Mia Abello stepped up against SU goalkeeper Jessie Eiselin — and just like in September, Abello buried it to seal the win.

Syracuse, coming off a 3-1 upset over third-seeded Wake Forest on Wednesday, looked to reach its first ACC Championship appearance since joining the ACC in 2013. Virginia, meanwhile, aimed to capture its first conference title since 2016. 

SU’s energy carried over from Wednesday’s quarterfinals win. While the Cavaliers struck first, the Orange stayed patient in their press, forcing the Hoos to play from the sides rather than thread passes through the middle. By the second quarter, the Cuse’s organization and communication began to show, earning two penalty-corner opportunities. Syracuse grad student Bo van Kempen converted both, firing drag flicks towards the left post, and the Orange led by one at halftime.

A backhand shot by Virginia forward Emma Watchilla in the final frame led to an obstruction call on Syracuse, leading to UVA’s first penalty corner of the game. Grad student Suze Leemans capitalized to even up the score.

For the final 10 minutes of regulation — plus two 10-minute sudden-death overtime periods — the Orange kept their energy high. Redshirt senior Aiden Drabick, who assisted on SU’s first goal Wednesday, repeatedly challenged Virginia’s backline in transition. Midfielder Lieke Leeggangers tested the Cavs with her quick stickwork and relentless edge; and fellow senior Pati Strunk controlled the tempo in the backfield, making several sharp clears from the endline. It was a full team-effort as head coach Lynn Farquhar rotated players constantly to keep fresh legs on the pitch.

Despite the loss, the Orange’s strong performance across the ACC Championships likely secured them an NCAA Tournament berth. With a dynamic attack and a disciplined defensive unit, the Cuse showed it can hang with the nation’s best. Syracuse learns its postseason fate on Selection Sunday, Nov. 9, at 10 p.m. Follow @SydneyO_Chan on X for updates.