Rachel Clark’s eight goals lead Boston College past Syracuse

Despite holding a 17-15 advantage in the all-time series, No. 16 Syracuse suffered a lopsided 17–2 loss to No. 2 Boston College, the two-time defending national champion. The Orange struggled on both ends, managing just two goals against the Eagles’ stifling defense while losing their defensive shape.

“Obviously, that was not a great performance by us,” Syracuse head coach Kayla Treanor said. “I thought we fought hard. It’s just an unfortunate game for us.”

Both teams opened with strong defensive stands until Boston College scored first on a free-position pass from Molly Driscoll, taking a 1–0 lead. Syracuse struggled at the draw, losing two early attempts by Joely Caramelli, and BC’s organized sliding defense repeatedly disrupted the Orange’s offensive rhythm.

Caramelli hit the right post on a drive, and her follow-up shot bounced off the crossbar. Syracuse continued to struggle generating quality scoring chances. Meanwhile, Boston College’s efficient ball movement led to McKenna Davis assisting Emma LoPinto for a soft finish, making it 3–0 midway through the first period.

A string of Syracuse fouls gave the Eagles three consecutive free-position chances, all converted by Rachel Clark. She followed with another goal on a cut to the center, then assisted Andrea Mascone to extend the lead to 7–0.

Although Syracuse outshot Boston College 6-4 in the second quarter, it couldn’t break through the Eagles’ defense. Goalkeeper Shea Dolce made three key saves in the period. BC added three more goals before halftime, with Rachel Park scoring her fourth of the night off a feed from LoPinto and converting a free-position shot to bring the score to 10–0.

It was the first time this season Syracuse failed to score in the first half.

“We were a little stagnant on offense. I thought we got into a better flow offensively, but their goalkeeper play was outstanding,” Treanor said of Dolce, who finished with 12 saves and an .857 save percentage.

Syracuse tried a new slide-and-recover defensive strategy in the third quarter to clog passing lanes, but Boston College adapted quickly. Devon Russell scored first on a low shot assisted by Maria Themeli, making it 11–0.

The Orange remained scoreless until Caramelli broke through the middle, only to hit the right post again. BC responded with a fast-break goal by Clark—her 77th of the season—to push the lead to 12–0.

“She’s just a really good shooter,” Treanor said. “(Boston College) has so many weapons on the offensive end. It’s hard to stop one or two. All of them are pretty balanced.”

Syracuse finally scored with just under three minutes remaining in the third quarter. Caroline Trinskaus drove in from the right wing, absorbed contact, and slipped a shot under Dolce’s pads to make it 12–1.

But BC responded quickly. Midfielder Hollie Baker sprinted from midfield into the circle and fired a 10-yard strike to restore the 12-goal lead at 13–1.

Syracuse opened the fourth quarter with a free-position opportunity drawn by Caramelli, but Dolce stopped her shot and Emma Ward’s follow-up. The Eagles forced turnovers on the perimeter and exploited gaps inside with quick passing and finishes.

Clark added two more goals in the fourth quarter—her seventh and eighth of the game—before Syracuse got its final goal from Carlie Desmone. Boston College capped off the win with one final score before the buzzer.

Syracuse now turns its focus to the ACC Tournament, set to begin April 23 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Orange will face third-seeded Stanford in the opening round. Treanor remains optimistic about her team’s chances.

“It’s a whole season’s worth of work, and we won some big games,” she said. “I think we’re gonna make a great run and go try to win an ACC championship.”