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In each of Syracuse’s first two NCAA Tournament games, it matched up with top-ranked defenses, but its offense powered through. Against Stony Brook, who entered the contest allowing 7.75 goals per game, SU’s offense finished with eight different goal scorers leading it to a 15-10 win.

In the Orange’s quarterfinals matchup with Yale, Emma Tyrrell’s seven goals carried the offense to a 19-9 victory. The Bulldogs had allowed more than 10 goals just three times this season entering the contest. With the offense firing on all cylinders, combined with Kate Mashewske’s record-setting performances in the draw circle, SU has been too much for its opponents to overcome.

Syracuse now turns to Boston College in Cary, North Carolina, for the season trilogy on Friday. The Eagles have defeated the Orange twice this season, and have won the last six matchups, dating back to the 2021 National Championship.

Here’s everything you need to know before No. 3 Syracuse (16-5, 8-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) faces No. 2 Boston College (18-3, 7-2 ACC) in the NCAA Tournament semifinals:

All-time series

Syracuse leads 17-13.

Last time they played…

Syracuse fell to Boston College 15-8 in the ACC Tournament Championship. SU led 5-1 with four minutes left in the first quarter, but its offense was quiet for the remainder of the game. The Orange were held scoreless for 22 straight minutes as Boston College built a commanding lead.

Despite Mashewske leading the Orange to an 18-9 win in the draw circle, the Eagles outscored Syracuse 8-1 in the second half. Tyrrell, Syracuse’s top scoring threat, was held to just one goal as the offense failed to capitalize on its possessions. The loss marked the Orange’s sixth straight to the Eagles.

The Eagles report

Since winning the ACC Tournament, Boston College has continued to play at an elite level, stringing together back-to-back five-goal wins. The Eagles have been bolstered by their multifaceted offense. Against Princeton in the second round, it had six different players tally three or more goals. Then in the quarterfinals, BC got out to an 11-4 halftime lead that carried it past Michigan.

Shea Dolce has been key in net for the Eagles, recording at least nine saves in each of the last two games. Dolce’s performance against Michigan led BC to victory despite the Eagles’ offense generating one fewer shot on goal than the Wolverines.

How SU beats BC

The Orange have won their first two games by a combined score of 34-19, propelled by Tyrrell and Emma Ward’s combined 25 points. Continued success from Tyrrell and Ward, especially after being limited to four points in SU’s last matchup versus BC, will be crucial for Syracuse.

Along with SU’s offense in need of an elite performance, its defense needs to match. Northwestern and Syracuse are the only remaining teams that have allowed 10 or fewer goals in each tournament game. For SU to win, slowing down the Eagles’ dynamic offense is key. Delaney Sweitzer has posted a .441 save percentage this tournament, performing better than her .411 season average.

In its two matchups against Boston College this season, Syracuse has failed to perform at its best for the entirety of each contest. SU held multi-goal leads in the first halves of both games, but it allowed a 7-5 second-half run by BC during the regular season and an 8-1 second-half run in the ACC Championship. For the Orange to advance to the National Championship, they must keep their scoring options in rhythm from start to finish.

Stat to know: 24.3%

Boston College entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed behind its disciplined play. The Eagles turn the ball over at just a 24.3% rate, ranking 17th in the country. BC’s clean play has been the source for its comeback efforts this season, including its two victories over SU.

Syracuse has been riding the hot hand of Mashewske in the circle, but even with an abundance of possessions from her play, BC overcame it twice. Off the draw, the Eagles forced the Orange into turnovers, eliminating sources of possession for the Orange. With BC’s discipline, causing takeaways defensively for SU will be an area to watch that could decide the outcome of the game.

Player to watch: Kayla Martello, attack, No. 38

On one of the top offenses in the nation, Martello’s name can be buried among her teammates. But in the last contest between SU and BC, Martello led the game in scoring with six goals.

Martello ranks second on the Eagles with 62 goals and sits fourth in points. Despite scoring just one goal against Princeton, Martello bounced back with three goals against Michigan.

Published on May 23, 2024 at 11:27 pm

Contact Timmy at: tswilcox@syr.edu | @TimmyWilcox32