Strong Defense Pushes Syracuse Over Oregon
By Nicole Weaving
Women’s Lacrosse Beat Reporter
Syracuse got off to a fast start in their first-ever meeting with Oregon. But, it didn’t come from the team’s ability to win the draw. It came from the ability to force turnovers.
The Orange scored the first four goals of the game. On the first possession, Kerry Defliese caused a turnover leading to a goal by Mary Rahal. On the second possession, Cambi Cukar turned the ball over and Alexa Radziewicz got the ground ball. This turned into a goal from Nicole Levy.
Caused turnovers became the deciding factor in SU’s 17-11 victory. In the first half, the Ducks had six turnovers, five of which were caused by members of the Orange. This turned into ten caused turnovers by the end of the game.
Six goals came as the direct result of caused turnovers for Syracuse.
As captains of the defense, Asa Goldstock split time with Hannah Van Middelem. Goldstock ruled the cage in the first half with five saves, including three on free position shots. Van Middelem took over in the second half and recorded three saves.
Four goals came as the direct result of goalie saves for the Orange.
Syracuse’s defense struggled against Mariah Gatti. The Oregon attacker scored four goals in the contest, all four assisted by either Cukar or Modly.
Gatti first posed a threat when she scored while the Ducks were man-down. She then carried the momentum from the end of the first half through the beginning of the second half for the Ducks.
Oregon opened the second half with three straight goals in under three minutes. Gattie had two of the three, both off of fast breaks. It wasn’t until Freshman Molly Carter rose up that the Ducks’ momentum was halted.
Carter and Taylor Gait each scored three goals to lead the Orange in the victory. Gait and Neena Merola also came up big on the draw, each grabbing four draw controls.
The Orange return home for the Battle of Upstate New York. Albany visits the Dome on Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
@nicki_weaves | nlweavin@syr.edu
