Despite a late push, 11th-ranked Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse (9-5, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) couldn’t finish in a 14-12 loss to 8th-ranked North Carolina (10-3, 3-1 Atlantic Coast Conference). After UNC notched a six-goal lead, its largest of the game, with just three minutes left in the contest SU went on a rampage. The Orange scored four consecutive times in less than two minutes. Syracuse attackman Finn Thomson would add a fifth goal to the flurry with just 37 seconds remaining, however, the score was taken away due to a goal mouth violation. After the call was overturned, the Tar Heels were awarded the ball and it didn’t allow enough time for SU to get the offense rolling again.
A late fourth quarter surge for No. 11 @CuseMLAX wasn't enough in its 14-12 loss to No. 8 @UNCMensLacrosse.@GiffMD and @GriffinMarcy1 had the call of the Senior Day defeat from the JMA Wireless Dome. pic.twitter.com/mg7eLSTLhD
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) April 26, 2025
SU Head Coach Gary Gait was demoralized after the defeat, and stated the reason SU began to claw its way back was because his team adjusted stylistically
“Played free, went to the net and made plays.” Coach Gait said.
Gait honed in on playing free being a large factor quite a bit. He said those final couple minutes spoke to the character of his players.
“How different they are when they’re able to just play and not worry about mistakes,” Gait said.
On the flip side, North Carolina headman Joe Breschi had praised SU for their efforts, especially with its constant will to win.
Defensive woes for the Orange also outlined the loss. SU surrendered its most scores in ACC play this season, along with the most shots it's given up the entire campaign. Plus, it allowed UNC attackman Dominic Pietremala to notch six goals and seven points total on 20 shots. It was the second six-score performance for the redshirt sophomore this season.
The Pietramala family has been dominating lacrosse for decades.@GriffinMarcy1 illustrated @UNCMensLacrosse attackman Dominic Pietramala's 11th multi-goal game of the season.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) April 26, 2025
📻@waer883, https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P pic.twitter.com/Vw72EjDl5A
SU aims to jump off the three-game skid as it moves on to postseason play with the ACC Championship Friday. 4th-seeded Syracuse battles top-seeded Notre Dame. It’s the second time the Orange have matched up with the Fighting Irish this season. The first time these squads battled it out, the ‘Cuse walked away victorious with a 14-9 win, led by attackman Joey Spallina’s four-goal output. SU and ND jostle at 5 with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Faceoff at 4:30.