Syracuse University’s men’s lacrosse team advanced to the NCAA Championship Weekend after defeating North Carolina 13-11 in the quarterfinals, according to a May 16 announcement. The win marks Syracuse’s second consecutive trip to Championship Weekend.
This achievement is significant as it is the first time since the 2008-09 seasons that Syracuse has made back-to-back appearances at this stage of the tournament. The team overcame two previous losses to North Carolina earlier in the season.
The senior class played a key role in securing the victory, with Joey Spallina, Finn Thomson, Luke Rhoa, and Michael Leo combining for 13 points. The defense also limited North Carolina to five goals after halftime. John Mullen contributed by winning 13 out of 24 faceoffs against All-American Brady Wambach and scoring two goals himself. Goalkeeper Jimmy McCool made 12 saves on 23 shots during the game.
After falling behind by four goals in the second quarter, Syracuse rallied and outscored North Carolina eight to five after halftime. The game began as a defensive contest with both teams scoreless for nearly fifteen minutes before each side traded goals throughout an increasingly competitive match.
Syracuse will next play No. 2 seed Notre Dame on Saturday, May 23 at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia. The exact time of the match will be announced following Sunday’s quarterfinal games.
