After scratching and clawing for a ranked win earlier this week, number 8 Syracuse women’s lacrosse (6-4, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) tries its luck once more, this time hosting number 21 Notre Dame (6-4, 1-3 ACC) on Sunday.
In SU’s 14-12 win over number 17 Loyola University Maryland on Wednesday, the offense was clicking on all cylinders. The Orange exploded for six goals in the first quarter, three of which came from midfielder Emma Muchnick. The junior has been a catalyst for the team since attacker Olivia Adamson was announced out for the season with an injury. Muchnick has 12 goals in the last four games, including a career-high five against the Greyhounds.
“Starting {to find offensive success} early and getting a little bit of juice in the beginning with the girls was really beneficial for our team, but also me too,” Muchnick said postgame.
Losing a key contributor like Adamson meant that more than just Muchnick would have to get in on the scoring. SU had seven different goal scorers in the win over Loyola, and fourteen all season. Of those fourteen to find the back of the net, three are freshmen.
“This team is so special and unique in that our team is so young compared to last year,” Muchnick said after the win against Loyola. I’m someone who thankfully has been in this situations before, so I can hype them up, have their back so they and we can trust themselves.”
The result makes Syracuse winners of back-to-back games for just the second time this season. SU aims to make it three in a row against a team on a hot streak of its own. Notre Dame enters Sunday on a three-game winning streak, most recently beating #23 Harvard 8-6 in South Bend. Despite what could be classified as a down season for Kayla Treanor’s squad, other head coaches have taken note of what kind of challenge SU brings to the table.
“They’re always such a tough opponent and extremely well-coached,” Loyola head coach Jen Adams said postgame. “Their offense came up big to beat us, you can’t tie your hands behind your back and expect to play Syracuse tough.”
The Fighting Irish are a program that the Orange have matched up favorably with over the years. SU is 19-7 all-time against ND and hasn’t lost since 2018. With both teams jockeying for position in the ACC standings, this one should carry some fireworks. Opening draw is Sunday at 12:00 p.m., follow along @WAERSports on X for live updates throughout the contest.