No. 5 Syracuse women’s lacrosse (3-2, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), started off the season undefeated at 3-0. It looked as though the losses of key players like Emma Tyrrell, Delaney Sweitzer, and Kate Mashewske were filled in for. But the last two games have told a different story. For the first time since 2012, SU has scored single-digit goals in back-to-back contests. And yes, In those tilts, the Orange were without star attacker Olivia Adamson, their leading goal scorer through the teams first three games. Because of this, much of the pressure is landing on Adamson’s fellow attacker Emma Ward.
After Tuesday’s 12-8 loss to No. 3 Northwestern (5-1, 0-0 Big Ten), Ward said
“it's also my job to put people in good positions so that they can be successful. So, you know, having four turnovers and six shots, and only three goals, it's unacceptable. So just going forward a little self-reflection and being better for everybody around me.”
This year, Ward has a team best 27 points, and to say she sets high standards for herself may be an understatement. Racking up six points, for most, is an above average game, but in the post game interview, she heavily touched on how the success of the team directly correlates to her performances.
Another issue that SU has run into as of late is the draw. In their last game against No. 3 Northwestern, the Orange lost the battle in the circle 17-6. Three days prior, Syracuse was dominated by No. 2 North Carolina 18-9. Of course, when the draw battle is lost, less possessions are awarded, therefore offense is harder to come by.
“We just have to be really efficient if we're getting less possessions than the other team,” head coach Kayla Treanor said following SU’s most recent loss.
It’s tough to put that much weight on your offense when the chances are extremely limited. Treanor went on to say,
“I don’t leave this game thinking our offense played bad. It was an improvement from the North Carolina game.”
But the numbers don’t necessarily say that, with the draw win percentage almost identical, SU actually put more shots on goal in its loss to the Tar Heels.
When Syracuse takes on No. 12 Clemson (4-1, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), offense could be hard to come by again. In four games this season, the Tigers allow under nine goals a contest. But this clash against Syracuse will be Clemson’s toughest test of the season so far. The only other ranked opponent the Tigers have played was No. 11 Notre Dame, they took it 12-11.
The game inside the Dome is slated for noon on Saturday, for updates throughout the entire contest, follow @WAERSports on X.