Syracuse Takes Down Pennsylvania Recording Their Fourth Straight Win
By Nick Luttrell
CitrusTV Field Hockey Beat Reporter
PHILADELPHIA, P.A. — Syracuse (6-2, 1-0 Atlantic Coast) took care of business on Sunday afternoon defeating Pennsylvania (3-5, 0-1 Ivy) in a shutout win, 2-0.
Coming into today’s game, UPenn had been outscored 21-3 against ranked opponents. So it was a bit of a surprise when the Quakers came out firing on all cylinders. In the 6th minute of the game, Sophie Freedman and Courtney Kenah each put up back-to-back shots that were both blocked by SU defenders.
While UPenn excelled at keeping the ball in attack mode on SU’s side of the field, they finished the game with only one shot on goal. The “bend but don’t break” Syracuse defense mentality remained intact today. Freshman Goalkeeper Brooke Borzymowski wasn’t needed as much as she had been for games in the past. The Maryland native put up only one save on the day. Before today’s game, she was averaging three saves per game.
It was a scoreless game until a few minutes into the second quarter when Syracuse finally broke the tie. Pleun Lammers effortlessly weaved her way through multiple UPenn defenders and found herself inside the shooting circle. She then passed to Laura Graziosi who, being a yard away from the goal, lifted the ball up and over the left shoulder of goalie Sabien Paumen.
Despite giving up two goals, Paumen played a good game for the Quakers. She finished with six saves while SU put up eight shots on goal.
In the third quarter, UPenn still remained within striking distance of Syracuse. Unlike non-conference teams that the Orange have faced in the past, the Quakers were able to put some pressure on the SU defense. They even had three penalty corner opportunities in the third quarter that were either off-target or saved by the Orange.
Even when it seemed UPenn would have the advantage over SU after midfielder Laura Graziosi received a yellow card, that wasn’t the case. With one player less than their opponent, Syracuse and Quirine Comans charged forward and stretched their lead to 2-0 in the 51st minute to seal the victory for the Cuse.
After a five-game road stretch in which Syracuse went 4-1, they will now have four straight games back home at J.S. Coyne Stadium. The Orange will have a tough task coming up next as they will host #7 North Carolina. The Tar Heels have won three straight national championships and this season are coming off wins against #5 Boston College and #15 UConn.
Friday’s game between Syracuse and UNC will begin at 4:00 pm. You can watch that game on the ACC Network, follow my Twitter for live updates, or better yet, attend the game in person!
naluttre@syr.edu | @nickluttie
