No. 7 Syracuse women’s lacrosse takes down No. 22 Loyola Maryland 8-6, advances to second round of NCAA Tournament

In Regy Thorpe’s first ever NCAA Tournament game as a head coach, Syracuse women’s lacrosse (14-5, 7-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) reigned supreme. SU’s defense stood strong, holding Loyola Maryland (12-8, 7-2 Patriot League) to a season-low six goals.

“Yeah, I mean they’ve been doing it all year. They’ve been locking it down,” Thorpe said postgame about ‘Cuse’s back line. “We’re really proud of our defense tonight.”

The Orange began flexing their defensive muscle early, limiting the Greyhounds to just one goal in the first quarter. SU carried a slim advantage entering the second frame, before midfielder Emma Muchnik switched hands and fired one into the back of the net to make it 3-1. The senior has tallied eight scores in the last three games.

The Orange led 4-2 at the break, and didn’t take their foot off the pedal. Attacker Caroline Trinkaus scored both of Syracuse’s third quarter goals to extend SU’s lead. That completed the sophomore’s ninth career hat trick.

Loyola wouldn’t go away though, cutting Cuse's lead to two goals on three separate occasions in the fourth quarter. SU attacker Molly Guzik put the Greyhounds' comeback bid to rest however, via her only score with 2 1/2 minutes remaining. The sophomore leads the Orange with 51 points this season.

On top of the timely goals from Syracuse’s attack, its defense refused to crack. 2026 ACC Goalkeeper of the Year Daniella Guyette made six saves and the Orange forced 22 turnovers, a season high for the Greyhounds.

“We just have each other’s backs, like all of us. We really work as a unit,” SU defender Izzy Lahah said postgame. “It’s everyone. It’s the midfielders, it’s Daniella. She saved us a few times with those saves. Just working together as one. It’s not a single individual player.”

Cuse.com

Syracuse’s 8-6 victory marks the seventh consecutive year the Orange have advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Six goals is the fewest SU has allowed in an NCAA Tournament game since 2016.

The ‘Cuse’s next battle comes against No. 4 Navy (19-1, 8-1 Patriot League). The Midshipmen enter the second round contest winners of eight straight.

“They’re strong in the draw, and really fast in transition,” Thorpe said postgame about Navy. “They get after you defensively. A very physical team that plays up tempo, so it’s gonna be a great challenge.”

Opening draw against the Midshipmen is at 1 on Sunday. Follow us on X for live updates during the game @WAERSports.