As Laura Graziosi scored with 7:11 to go on the clock, Syracuse appeared headed towards it’s fourth win to open the season, and its second in a row against a ranked opponent.

The Orange’s lead lasted just 44 seconds. Then Virginia equalized.

Syracuse (3-1, 0-1 Atlantic Coast) suffered its first loss of the season, losing 2-1 to Virginia (3-1, 1-0 ACC) on a game-winning goal in double overtime. Both goalies, Borg van der Velde for SU, and Carrera Lucas of UVA, stood tall in the opening half to prevent either side from getting on the scoresheet.

Van der Velde was first tested nine minutes into the game when she made a kick save to deny UVA. Syracuse earned its first penalty corner three minutes later, when Lucas saved Roos Weers’ drag flick off an SU corner. Weers then had a second opportunity, on the backhand, which she sailed high over the cage.

Syracuse’s best chance of the opening half came in the waning seconds, as Caroline Cady was alone, in on goal. Cady’s attempt went just inches wide of the cage as time expired.

The open play continued into the second half as both teams created multiple chances, yet neither could find the breakthrough due to excellent goalkeeping. Lucas and van der Velde combined for 16 saves in total.

The breakthrough finally came for Syracuse through Graziosi. After UVA successfully stopped two shots off of a penalty corner, Graziosi slotted the ball home on the scramble assist from fellow freshmen Tess Queen.

UVA brought the ball to the center line to restart play and immediately pinned SU deep in its zone. Less than a minute later, the game was tied.

Syracuse came again within inches with 90 seconds left in the first overtime period. Weers’ drag flick got deflected on its way into goal, and slid wide of Lucas’ goal.

In the second overtime, Virginia created multiple odd-man transition chances and finally converted the winner after van der Velde came out to challenge Grace Walls. Walls nudged the ball a foot away to Greer Gill, who slotted the ball into the open net, handing the Orange their first loss of the season.

Published on September 7, 2018 at 7:49 pm

Contact Anthony: amdabbun@syr.edu | @AnthonyDabbundo