Balanced attack propels Syracuse women’s lacrosse to dominant season-opening win

Syracuse Women’s lacrosse team had their way with UAlbany in the season opener. A team that did not return many players from the prior season answered many questions coming into the game. The trio of Molly Guzik, Mileena Cotter, and Carolina Trinkaus, listed on Inside Lacrosse’s “Top 100 Freshman”, all scored on the day. The game ended in a convincing Orange win, 21-9.  

The first quarter started out slow, as to to be expected with the first game of the season. Alexa Vogelman started the Orange off, scoring 36 seconds into the game on a free position shot. Vogelman was the first of 11 Orange to score in the game. 

“We always talked about having seven stars on the offensive end and so having 11 different goal scorers just speaks to the talent and the depth of this team,” said senior attack Olivia Adamson. 

Three minutes later Vogelman connected with graduate student Sam DeVito for the Orange’s second goal of the game.

It was not long before one of the star freshmen found their way onto the board. Trinkaus scored with 9 minutes remaining in the first quarter. 

Forty seconds later, Adamson, a captain, found the net on a man-up goal. Adamson, one of four players to have a hat trick on the day. Co-leader Emma Ward joined Adamson with a hat trick of her own. 

“Getting to grow, our chemistry the past three years has been really awesome, and I think Emma’s just been such a leader for me and pulled me along. Definitely inspiring and put with her confidence and it’s been awesome to just keep going with her,” said Adamson. 

While today was a great start for the Orange it’s no secret that the offense looks different and the defense returns virtually no starters, including goalie Delaney Sweitzer who transferred to Northwestern. 

Daniella Guyette takes over in goal for the Orange this season. In her first start she did not miss a beat, only letting in six goals. She knows filling Sweitzer’s shoes will be tough she is up for the task. 

“Just kind of taking it quarter by quarter. I know I might not fully fill in, but I’m gonna do the best I can with who I have. I’m just grateful to be here, and to move forward with this spot,” Guyette said. 

Last season draw control was a lock for the Orange with Kate Mashewske who placed second in the nation with 10.64 draws controls per game. But like most of last season’s roster, Mashewske is gone after graduating. 

In the opener against the Great Danes, it was supposed to be a committee taking the draws. That was not the case. Meghan Rode took control of the draw and the pace of the game leading to lots of fast break points.  

“I just think she did a great job and it’s a great game for her to get more and more experience,” said head coach Kayla Treanor. 

The next month of the season will test the Orange, soon they will know how good they are. Three straight games against top 10 ranked opponents will be great early season tests, especially for the freshman. Early contests like these help younger players, like Cotter, who put up a hat trick in her debut, be prepared at the end of the season.

The Orange hope to complete the quest to a national championship after two straight final-four appearances. The leadership on the team knows what it takes, and will help underclassmen along.