Orange Picked Fifth in Preseason Poll
1/4/2011 3:43:46 PM | Women's Lacrosse
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – After advancing to the national semifinals last season, the Syracuse women's lacrosse team is ranked No. 5 in Lacrosse Magazine's 2011 preseason top 20. Defending national champion Maryland garnered the top spot in the poll, which was compiled by the publication's staff with consultation from college coaches.
The remainder of the top five included Northwestern at No. 2, followed by North Carolina and Duke. The Orange is one of four BIG EAST teams included in the preseason top 20. Syracuse was joined by Georgetown (No. 6), Notre Dame (No. 10) and Loyola (No. 13). The Orange will face 10 teams this season that made the preseason rankings.
Syracuse returns seven starters from last year's squad that finished the season with a record of 15-9 and advanced to the Final Four for the second time in three seasons. The 15 victories were the second-highest single-season total in program history. The list of returners includes senior goalkeeper Liz Hogan. Hogan earned the IWLCA Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2010 and was a first-team All-American after leading the nation in saves with a school-record 211. She also ranked second in goals-against average.
The Orange opens the 2011 season on February 17 when it hosts Colgate in the Carrier Dome. Game time is set for 5 p.m.
