It was a back-and-forth affair between No. 5 @CuseMLAX and No. 6 @DukeMLAX, but SU reigned supreme in a 16-15 win.@BChad214 and @JohnBoccio23 had the call from the Dome. pic.twitter.com/XfAnWf7jLR
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) March 28, 2026
It was a battle of two teams on fire to start ACC play when No. 5 Syracuse men’s lacrosse (9-2, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) welcomed No. 6 Duke (8-1, 0-1 ACC) to the JMA Wireless Dome. The Blue Devils entered the contest one of four remaining unbeatens in the country, while the Orange came in on a five game win streak.
Right from the open the Orange and the Blue Devils began trading blows. Duke got the scoring going, before SU defenseman Billy Dwan answered with a score of his own. It marked the Senior’s 18th career goal, matching the record for most career long stick goals by a Syracuse player in history.
There's nothing quite as sweet as a @CuseMLAX long pole goal.@BChad214 was on the mic for a strike from 'Cuse defenseman Billy Dwan.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) March 28, 2026
📻@waer883, https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P pic.twitter.com/R9KkGCCIsA
“Billy’s just an unbelievable player,” SU captain Joey Spallina recognized Dwan’s attacking value. “When he scores it’s just an extra jolt. He’s a pretty offensive-minded defenseman.”
The opening frame ended 5-5, which marks SU’s highest scoring first period this season. The Orange gained a slight advantage in the second quarter, but couldn’t hold on to close the half. Three straight Duke goals sent the Blue Devils into the break with a 10-9 lead.
In the second half, SU continued to show off its balanced offensive attack. Nine Syracuse players scored throughout the game, including a second half half trick from midfielder Luke Rhoa. All three of the Senior’s goals came during man-up opportunities.
Rhoa was one of three ‘Cuse players to score a hat trick, along with Payton Anderson and Finn Thomson. Anderson notched a season high in goals and assists.
“I was getting to my spots and trusting my teammates,” Anderson said. “Everyone passed well today and we had a ton of hockey assists.”
When @CuseMLAX needed a goal, it called on attackman Payton Anderson.@JohnBoccio23 was on the mic for the sophomore's first career hat trick.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) March 28, 2026
📻@waer883, https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P pic.twitter.com/aCTlg0ka9j
Despite not being a top scorer, the leader of SU’s attack was once again Joey Spallina. The attackman tallied 2 goals and 4 assists, 3 of which came in the second half. With his performance today, Spallina passed 300 career points. The Senior pushed his total to 301, just six points behind all-time leader Mike Powell. However, Spallina isn’t focusing on this milestone.
“I didn’t think I played particularly well,” Spallina said. “I knew I was close to that mark but I just wanted to do whatever I could to help my team win.”
In a rematch of last season’s ACC championship, the Orange rallied behind a record breaking day from Spallina, and held on in the second half for a 16-15 victory. The win makes it six straight for the Orange, and their first in conference play.
“In the ACC.. everybody’s good. SU head coach Gary Gait said. “To come out on top in this one is a great start… and now we move on to Carolina.”
As Gait alluded to, ‘Cuse can make it seven straight wins when it visits No. 4 North Carolina on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Orange and Tar Heels have split their last six meetings in Chapel Hill. The most recent of those matchups came in 2024, where SU reigned supreme 10-9. We’ll get you ready here on WAER with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Faceoff at 1:30, as Syracuse searches for a nation-leading eighth ranked win.