Syracuse still awaits season’s first ACC win after loss to Duke

The Duke Blue Devils didn’t make things any easier for Syracuse. The Blue Devils upset the Orange, 17-10. SU has now lost three of its last four games.

From start to finish, Syracuse lacked in the three important factors of the game. Draw controls, ground balls, and shots on goal. Duke led 20-9 in draw controls, grabbed three more ground balls and forced nine more shots on goal.

“It was a very similar game to a couple other of our losses,” Syracuse head coach Gary Gait said.

The possession wasn’t there for Syracuse on Saturday, which is something that has been an issue for the women in the past week. The Orange played four games in the last seven days. When the Orange have lost, they were on the losing end of draws, ground balls, and shots on goal.

“Chemistry and communication were lacking a little bit,” Syracuse attacker Taylor Gait said.

A high-powered Duke offense was led by Kyra Harney and Olivia Jenner. Eight goals between both Harney and Jenner accounted for almost half the Blue Devils scores.

“A big factor in the loss may have been the lack of preparation, due to a burden of travel,” said Coach Gait. “A day after we play a game, we come back and play another game a day later. With one day of preparation.”

Syracuse has seven regular-season games left, and two of them are home games. It doesn’t get any easier for the Orange. SU will play back-to-back road games, starting April 5 against Loyola, followed by ACC-rival Virginia Tech two days later.