Struggles on offense haunt No. 5 Syracuse Women’s Lacrosse in a 12-8 loss to No. 3 Northwestern

Hoffman: Just four days ago. Number five, Syracuse women’s lacrosse was undefeated. Blink your eyes. And now it’s dropped two straight. The most recent a 12-8 defeat at the hands of number three northwestern. Now, all season long and today, the draw was an issue for Syracuse and for SU head coach Kayla Trainor. The battle in the circle directly relates to the lack of offensive production. 

Treanor: I mean, we only had four possessions. That’s tough, and you have to be really efficient if you only have four possessions. So, you know, it’s too bad. One of them was a man up and we didn’t score on that. So we just have to be really efficient if we’re getting less possessions than the other team. I mean, draw controls today were 17 to 6 northwestern. If you’re not winning your controls, your offense has to be extremely efficient. 

Hoffman: Well, the orange have now scored single digit goals in back to back contests for the first time since 2012. And when you think of SU’s offense, you think of Emma Ward, and the grad student after the game said she just plainly needs to step up.

Ward: And it’s also my job to put people in good position so that they can be successful. So, you know, having four turnovers and six shots on goal and only three goals, it’s like unacceptable. So just going forward a little self-reflection and being better for everybody around me. 

Hoffman: Ward in Syracuse has a chance to bounce back against another ranked opponent and number 12 Clemson this Saturday. My friend Sydney Chan will have you covered for that one. Opening draw is set for noon. But for now, reporting from the JMA Wireless Dome. I’m Milo Hoffman, CitrusTV.