Syracuse Tennis: Rest-of-Season Predictions, Part Two
By Drew Albaugh | @Drew_Albaugh
Heading out of non-conference play and into the heart of the ACC schedule, Syracuse tennis remains undefeated at 7-0. But how long will that last? Part one of my full tennis prediction is already out, so read that first. Now, let’s pick up right where we left off.
Game 14: No. 25 Georgia Tech, March 21 (Away)
The Orange get a well-deserved two-week break before traveling to Atlanta to take on the No. 25-ranked Yellow Jackets. At this point in the season, Syracuse has done well in ACC play but would love to even its record with a huge win against a talented Georgia Tech team. The Yellow Jackets have already pulled off a ranked win this season with a 4-2 victory over No. 22 South Carolina, but outside of that, they have left a lot to be desired. A 4-3 loss to Alabama, Northwestern, and Arizona highlights a 5-4 season record for Georgia Tech. Still, the team has a lot of talent, led by sophomore Scarlett Nicholson. I think the combination of talent and travel will be too much for the Orange, resulting in a hard-fought 5-2 loss.
Season record: 9-5, 3-5 ACC.
Game 15: Clemson, March 23 (Away)
A couple of days later, Syracuse ventures further south to battle Clemson. The Tigers have gotten off to a blistering 9-1 start, with their only loss coming to SMU in January. The big shocker of the season for Clemson came just a few days ago with a home sweep against No. 4 Virginia. With that win, the Tigers are top candidates to move into the top 25 for the first time this season. However, despite recent success, history has been favorable for Syracuse in this matchup. The Orange have won three of the last four meetings, including a nail-biting 4-3 win last year. This time around, I expect things to be just as close. With both teams playing their best tennis as of late, whoever enters the contest with more momentum will likely take the win. Unfortunately, after a deflating loss to Georgia Tech just a couple of days prior, Syracuse will drop another heartbreaker, this time even closer, 4-3.
Season record: 9-6, 3-6 ACC.
Game 16: Virginia Tech, April 4 (Home)
After a brutal four-loss road trip, Syracuse returns to Drumlins for a matchup against Virginia Tech. The Hokies have won nine straight, with their only loss coming against No. 14 Duke. Virginia Tech is led by No. 67 senior Charlotte Cartledge and a veteran squad featuring four other seniors. Historically, the home team has dominated this matchup—Syracuse is a perfect 5-0 at home against the Hokies but just 1-7 on the road. Fortunately for the Orange, a return home and depth advantage, particularly at the four through six spots, will lead to a 5-2 win, snapping the losing streak.
Season record: 10-6, 4-6 ACC.
Game 17: No. 4 Virginia, April 6 (Home)
A couple of days later, Syracuse welcomes a tough opponent in No. 4 Virginia. The Cavaliers are 8-2 but are coming off a disappointing and somewhat puzzling 4-0 loss to Clemson. Despite the stumble, Virginia has validated its ranking with wins over No. 8 North Carolina, No. 13 Tennessee, and No. 14 Duke. Top to bottom, Virginia boasts a more talented roster, and even with the home-court advantage, it won’t be enough for Syracuse to pull off the upset. The Cavaliers take this one 7-0, extending their winning streak over the Orange to 14 straight.
Season record: 10-7, 4-7 ACC.
Game 18: Louisville, April 11 (Away)
With its final home match in the books, Syracuse heads down the stretch with a pivotal matchup against Louisville. At this point in the season, both teams are on the cusp of clinching an ACC Tournament berth and could use a win against a direct competitor. The Cardinals are currently 5-1, with a disappointing 4-1 loss to Middle Tennessee. Louisville is led by junior Alice Otis, a former five-star recruit who has bounced from South Carolina to Denver before landing with the Cardinals. The matchup will be close, but Syracuse’s experience will prove to be the difference in a 4-3 win. With the victory, the Orange secure an ACC Tournament bid.
Season record: 11-7, 5-7 ACC.
Game 19: Notre Dame, April 13 (Away)
A trip to South Bend caps off the regular season for Syracuse. Notre Dame has gotten off to a fast 10-1 start, but its schedule lacks quality competition. The Fighting Irish and the Orange have a common opponent in Columbia, with similar results—Notre Dame won 4-2, while Syracuse won 6-1. In a match that could be crucial for both teams, expect fireworks between two evenly matched squads. Although Notre Dame has won four straight against Syracuse, I predict a narrow 4-3 win for the Orange, giving them their best ACC record since 2018.
Season record: 12-7, 6-7 ACC.
The Orange finish the season one game below .500 in ACC play, which feels reasonable for this lineup. Syracuse is a middle-of-the-pack ACC unit with a chance to compete in the conference tournament and possibly make some noise. The team’s ceiling is an NCAA Tournament appearance, while its floor is struggling to qualify for the ACC Tournament. However, with its unique blend of experience and skill, this squad has its best shot in years at reaching the NCAA Tournament.
Syracuse’s next matchup is this Friday at Drumlins against North Carolina. For consistent season updates on all things Syracuse tennis, follow me on X @Drew_Albaugh and CitrusTV on YouTube.
