Lightning delays, physicality, and runs couldn’t stop No. 4 seed Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse (10-5, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) from beating No. 1 seed Notre Dame (8-4, 3-2) 14-12. The win snaps a three game losing streak that put the Orange at risk of missing the NCAA tournament, which put pressure on SU entering last night. The ‘Cuse, however, were in control from the start, maintaining a lead from the first goal it scored up until halftime. Then, lightning struck - and not in a metaphorical sense.
The ACC semifinal was delayed after SU attackman Greg Elijah-Brown scored to push the lead to 9-7 early in the second half. The two teams went back to the locker rooms for nearly an hour, which could have easily thrown off SU. Syracuse head coach Gary Gait kept his players calm and loose to be ready for when the game resumes.
“We took some to relax, and then we got back together and refocused before we got back onto the field,” Gait said. “I trust my guys and our preparation.”
The Orange didn’t come out as the hot team, however. Irish midfielder Will Angrick scored within the first minute of the restart to cut the deficit to one. Then, SU attackman Owen Hiltz took over. The redshirt senior scored a hat trick after the deficit, and impressed his head coach in the process.
In a back-and-forth contest, @CuseMLAX attackman Owen Hiltz did what he does best.@SamuelReisTV was on the call as redshirt senior Owen Hiltz pocketed another goal.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) May 2, 2025
📻@waer883, https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P pic.twitter.com/a99uCgzjbZ
“He showed up from the beginning,” Gait said. “He made plays from the start to the end of the game. I am really happy for him.”
It wasn’t just standout performances on one end of the field however. After being named ACC goalie of the year, SU’s Jimmy McCool made a career high 20 saves. That included nine in the fourth quarter from the redshirt sophomore. McCool credits his teammates for the standout performance.
“I’m really proud of the guys in front of me,” McCool said.
McCool and the rest of the defense limited and, oftentimes, shut down two of the nation’s top attackmen. Reigning NCAA tournament’s Most Outstanding Player Chris Kavanaugh had three points, while All-American Jake Taylor had none. That, combined with a strong offensive performance was the difference for SU.
The win gives the Orange their first trip to the ACC championship in nearly a decade. Syracuse meets No. 3 seed Duke on Sunday at noon. WAER’s coverage starts at 11:30 with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Faceoff.