After a loss to then-No. 2 North Carolina last weekend, No. 6 @CuseMLAX bounced back in a big way with a 14-9 win over No. 9 @UVAMensLax.@adamhipsky and @JKlein had the call from the JMA Wireless Dome. pic.twitter.com/1zysx1XBgq
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) April 11, 2026
Just one week after No. 6 Syracuse men’s lacrosse (10-3, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) fell to current No. 1 North Carolina, 14-9,SU flipped the script with a 14-9 win over No. 9 Virginia (7-5, 2-1 ACC) on Saturday.
The Orange have now won seven of their last eight games, marking the first time they’ve won that many games in eight games since 2017.
The main catalyst in the win over the Cavaliers was an efficient offense. Despite recording just 17 shots on goal, its fewest this season, Syracuse scored 14 times.
That effort was headlined by Syracuse’s points leader Joey Spallina, who tallied a team-high five points. The senior recorded three assists in the first half before adding two goals in the second half and now sits one point away from tying the program’s all-time recordset by Mikey Powell in 2004.
After being held scoreless in the previous matchup against North Carolina, Spallina responded.
“Whether we play a good game or a bad game, it’s what we can improve next time out,” Spallina said. “It’s college lacrosse, you’re going to have good games and bad games.”
It wasn’t just Spallina who stepped up offensively. Midfielders Luke Rhoa and Wyatt Hottle each recorded hat-tricks. For Hottle, it marked the first of his career, while Rhoa notched his third of the season.
Syracuse also got production from its defensive unit. Defensemen Billy Dwan and Chuck Kuczynski each scored, with Dwan’s goal making him the program’s all-time leader in goals by a long-stick.
“When any non-offensive player scores, it’s a big jolt,” Spallina said. “That’s what the Dome really understands, the place goes bananas.”
Faceoff specialist John Mullen also found the back of the net for the Orange.
Defensively, Syracuse was anchored by goalie Jimmy McCool. The senior stopped 64% of the shots he faced, his best mark since the second game of the season against Saint Joseph’s.
McCool finished with 16 saves, one shy of his season high.
Just a week after being pulled in the third quarter against North Carolina, McCool bounced back with one of his strongest performances of the season.
“My girlfriend got me a record player for my birthday, so I listened to Tame Impala’s new album and reset from there,” McCool said.
Syracuse returns to action next Saturday against Colgate at the JMA Wireless Dome. The Orange are 6-0 at home this season and have not lost to the Raiders since 2019. Faceoff is set for 5 p.m., with coverage beginning at 4:30 p.m. on WAER.
