Orange Host Huskies in Season Opener Friday

Syracuse vs. Connecticut
Game Details	Friday, Feb. 9 \| Syracuse, N.Y. \| 5 p.m.
Game Coverage	TV: ACC Network Extra Radio: WJPZ 89.1 FM Twitter: @cuse \| @CuseWLAX \| Live Stats \| Live Audio
Syracuse Links	Notes \| News \| Roster \| Schedule
Connecticut Links	News \| Roster \| Schedule

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- No. 7/7 Syracuse opens the 2018 campaign on Friday, Feb. 9 when it hosts Connecticut in the Carrier Dome. Opening draw is set for 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free of charge.

The game will be televised on ACC Network Extra. Fans can also listen to the live radio broadcast on WJPZ 89.1FM.

ORANGE OUTLOOK
Syracuse is coming off a 15-7 record last season. The Orange finished second in the ACC regular-season standings and advanced to the title game of the ACC Championship. Syracuse earned the No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament and lost in the second round, snapping a string of five straight appearances in the national semifinals.

The Orange return four of their top five scorers from a year ago, including second-team All-American Riley Donahue. Donahue led the team in every offensive statistical category with 68 points on 42 goals and 26 assists. She was joined on the IWLCA All-America team by junior Natalie Wallon, who was a third-team honoree. Wallon led the team in caused turnovers (22), was second in draw controls (27) and third in ground balls (39).

SYRACUSE IN SEASON OPENERS
The Orange open the season at home for the fourth consecutive year. Overall, the Orange are 15-5 in season openers, including a 10-0 mark under the direction of head coach Gary Gait.

SCOUTING THE HUSKIES
Connecticut posted a record of 8-8 in 2017, including a 5-4 mark in BIG EAST play. The Huskies were picked to finish fifth in the league in the preseason coaches poll.

Senior defender Cassie Ekstrom earned honorable mention Preseason All-America honors from Inside Lacrosse. Ekstrom and senior Grace Nolan were named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team. Ekstrom led the squad in caused turnovers and ground balls in 2017, while Nolan led the conference in scoring.

THE SERIES
Friday's game will be the 18th contest between the two schools. The Orange have won the previous 17 meetings. The teams last met in 2015 in the Carrier Dome, a game which Syracuse won, 12-11.

UP NEXT…
The Orange go on the road for the first time this season on Feb. 18 to take on Oregon in Portland.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Riley Donahue

Natalie Wallon

Syracuse University Athletics