Strong Second Half Leads #7 Orange Past #6 Wildcats

Saturday, February 22

Evanston, IL

8 PM

Syracuse University

4-1

Northwestern

3-2

Syracuse

Northwestern

Photo by: John Konstantaras

Strong Second Half Leads #7 Orange Past #6 Wildcats

2/23/2020 12:04:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse

Box Score Highlights

EVANSTON, Ill. – No. 7 Syracuse outscored No. 6 Northwestern, 8-1, over the final 19 minutes to record a 16-11 victory in Evanston, Ill. on Saturday, Feb. 22. The Orange defense limited the Wildcats, which entered the game as the top-scoring team in the nation, to 13 goals below their season average of 24.25.

"We challenged our defense with assistant coach Caitlin Defliese leading that charge and held them to 11 goals, which was an amazing job," said Syracuse head coach Gary Gait. "It was a full team effort. I thought our defense was spectacular, especially when Northwestern was making a run. We got some stops and were able to make a run back of our own."

HOW IT HAPPENED
Northwestern (3-2) led by one at halftime, but sophomore Meaghan Tyrrell caused a turnover on a Wildcat clear and then found the back of the net to even the score at 8-8. Back-to-back free position goals gave Northwestern its largest lead of the game at 10-8 with 19:50 remaining.

Syracuse's (4-1) comeback started with a goal by senior Emily Hawryschuk on an assist from Tyrrell. Junior Sam Swart followed with a goal at the 16:32 mark off an assist from freshman Bianca Chevarie to tie the game at 10-10. Hawryschuk and sophomore Sierra Cockerille followed with goals before Tyrrell capped the offensive outburst with her career-high fifth goal of the night to give the Orange a 13-10 advantage.

Lauren Gilbert ended Northwestern's scoring drought of more than 14 minutes with a free position goal to bring the Wildcats within two, but Hawryschuk netted the final three goals of the game for the 16-11 final and Syracuse's first win in Evanston in its ninth try.

A TALE OF TWO RUNS
The teams traded goals to start the game before sophomore Megan Carney sparked the Orange on a 5-1 scoring run that put Syracuse up 7-3. Tyrrell scored three goals during the run. However, the Wildcats tallied the final five goals of the half to take an 8-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.

OF NOTE
The Orange defense limited the high-powered Northwestern offense to its lowest goal total in a half (3, 2nd half) and in a game this season. Syracuse forced 22 turnovers and recorded held a 23-20 advantage in ground balls. Orange goalkeeper Asa Goldstock made eight saves and recorded a season-high five ground balls.

Tyrrell finished with six points (5g, 1a), tying her career high that she set against Canisius in the season opener. Hawryschuk, who leads the nation in goals, added to her season total with six against the Wildcats. She now leads the team with 27 goals and 31 points.

UP NEXT
Syracuse has another quick turnaround as it hosts Colgate on Monday, Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. in the Carrier Dome. Admission and parking are free.