The gauntlet will continue for Syracuse lacrosse this Saturday, as they will welcome the No. 13 Virginia Cavaliers (2-2) to the Carrier Dome at 12:00. This will be the third consecutive contest against a ranked opponent for the No. 12 Syracuse Orange (2-1), and they could go undefeated on this 3-game stretch with a win Saturday.
Syracuse is on the heels of an impressive 10-8 win over No. 15 Army last Sunday. Nate Solomon, David Lipka, and Jacob Buttermore each contributed with two goals apiece. Junior goalie Drake Porter continues to impress in his first season as a starter, as his 16 saves against Army were the most by a Syracuse goalie since 2017. Porter ranks in the top-10 in the nation in each of the three main goalkeeper statistics, and his .627 save percentage is good for the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Virginia is coming off a win of their own, as they defeated Princeton last Saturday 12-11 in overtime.
There is no lack of history between these two sides. Syracuse leads the all-time series by the slimmest of margins, 18-17. In the 35 contests between them, the result has been decided by one goal 16 times. And that's not even the best part. In the history of this matchup, Syracuse has scored 452 goals, leading the scoring 452-451. Yes, you read that correctly. The Cavaliers haven't won in the Carrier Dome since 2009, but they bested the Orange in the ACC Tournament Semifinals last season, snapping what was a four-game win streak for 'Cuse.
Tune in to Countdown to Faceoff at 11:30 only on WAER, 88.3 FM.
After netting two goals against Army, senior attackman Nate Solomon extended his streak to 20 straight games where he's registered a point, and his services will once again be needed on Saturday. Faceoffs played a critical role in the victory over Army, with Jakob Phaup and Danny Varello combining to go 17-21 on the day. If Syracuse can control possession against the Cavaliers, the offense will come organically.
Syracuse will have to step up on the defensive end as well. After forcing 12 turnovers on Saturday, they will need to stymie a Virginia attack that's netted 11 or more goals in three of their four games so far. Defenseman Nick Mellen, a redshirt junior, has been named to the first Tewaarton Award Watch List along with teammate Brendan Curry (sophomore, midfield).
If the past is any indication, there should be no shortage of excitement in this matchup, as Syracuse will look to win their tenth straight ACC tilt.
Faceoff will be at 12:00 in the Carrier Dome. You can watch the game on ESPNU or tune in to WAER, 88.3 FM to hear the Orange take on the Cavaliers.