Women's Lacrosse #4 SU 7, Stony Brook 6 [NCAA 2nd Rd]: Sun May 15, 1:00 PM

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[KellySyracuse]

thanks Mark Coyle #disloyalidiot

 

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What is going on in Boston this weekend?
Despite earning the NCAA Tournament’s No. 4 seed, Syracuse will hit the road this weekend just over 300 miles east to Boston College. The Orange were unable to host due to a conflict with local graduation ceremonies and securing enough hotel rooms, and will take on the winner of Friday afternoon’s Stony Brook vs. Boston College matchup. The Seawolves enter the NCAA Tournament field of 26 with the America East’s automatic bid after downing Albany, 10-9, on Sunday, while Boston College earned one of the tournament’s 13 at-large bids.

First Round: Stony Brook vs. Boston College

Despite hosting Friday afternoon’s action, Stony Brook will technically be the “home” team as they enter the action ranked ahead of the Eagles. The meeting between the pair of non-traditional foes is just the fourth in all-time history and first since 2006, and the Eagles have won all three meetings. The Seawolves are led by the nation’s leading goal scorer in Courtney Murphy (95g, 14a), and the America East Attacker of the Year is flanked by fellow Tewaaraton nominee Kylie Ohlmiller (41g, 44a). Defensively, Joe Spallina’s team has yet to give up over 10 goals in a game this spring – in fact, they have given up double-digit goals just once this spring, a 10-14 loss to No. 5 seed USC. Freshman Anna Tesoriero’s 5.82 GAA ranks second in the nation.

Boston College heads in Friday’s content led by four 40+ point scorers in Tewaaraton nominee an reigning finalist Sarah Mannelly (36g, 33a), Caroline Margolis (28g, 16a), Kate Weeks (40g, 2a) and Tess Chandler (29g, 11a). Additionally, ice hockey standout Kenzie Kent ranks fifth on the team with 35 points (18g, 17a) – second in assists – through just nine games played.

Who wins: Toss-Up

This might be the most intriguing first round matchup in the tournament, as both teams play a vastly different brand of lacrosse; but neither more impactful than the other I'd argue. Stony Brook has proven that its zone defense can give teams fits offensively, but the Eagles has proven that they can score against the best of them and are no stranger to the zone – most recently racking up 11 vs. Syracuse in the ACC quarterfinals. This team will come down to who can possess the ball more often and capitalize on those possessions. Neither team dominates on the center circle – Keri McCarthy leads Stony Brook with 61 draws (39th nationally), and Sam Apuzzo still remains the leader in draws (33) for the Eagles despite not having played the last nine games of the season.

Second Round vs. Syracuse

The Eagles are 1-1 against Syracuse this spring, whereas Stony Brook would enter Sunday’s having played the Orange just once in program history – falling in 2014 (13-6) in the NCAA Tournament. Whoever advances to Sunday afternoon play vs. the Orange, will have their work cut out for them. Two-time Tewaaraton finalist Kayla Treanor is one of the most dominant attackers in the game and has 84 points (46g, 38a) this spring against one of the toughest schedules in the nation; but where she’s done the bulk of her damage this year has been on the center circle where she’s picked up an NCAA-leading 189 draw controls – an astounding nine per game, and more than double McCarthy & Apuzzo’s efforts combined. Additionally, don't overlook the balance and depth the Orange attack possesses: Halle Majorana (39g, 28a), Nicole Levy (43g, 19a) and Riley Donahue (42g, 19a), in particular. While the Orange will have their hands full with whomever advances to Sunday, I think a combined factor of Treanor on the draw and Syracuse’s fresh legs will ultimately lead to Syracuse advancing to the quarterfinals.

 

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[orange79]

Stunned that BC couldn't take advantage of unexpectedly playing at home. Better for SU, though. Those 3 Superfans® probably won't show up.

 

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