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For the first time in program history, Syracuse enters the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament as the No. 1 seed. After starting 8-0 in conference play, the Orange clinched the regular-season title following a Boston College overtime loss to Virginia on April 13.

SU now has the chance to win its second-ever ACC Tournament title. In the quarterfinals, Syracuse will play No. 9 seed Louisville — which it beat 22-12 on March 30. Possible matchups in the semifinals include No. 4 seed North Carolina and No. 5 seed Virginia, both of which the Orange previously beat. A championship bout would likely feature a rematch of the regular-season finale with No. 3 seed BC or a contest versus No. 2 seed Notre Dame.

Here’s how our beat writers think No. 1 seed Syracuse (12-4, 8-1 ACC) will fare in the ACC Tournament:

Aiden Stepansky
Adding to the trophy case
Finish: ACC Champions

Syracuse’s first-ever regular season title puts it in a position it’s never been in before — as the top seed in the tournament. Yes, the Orange ended the regular season with a bad taste in their mouth, but I don’t think that will last long.

SU still hasn’t lost a game in regulation since its season opener versus Northwestern on Feb. 10 and since then, it’s played in just about any game you could expect. The Orange have come from behind in games like Notre Dame and Virginia. But there have also been plenty of games they’ve had to hold on to a lead. And a few overtime losses mixed in forced Syracuse to look in the mirror.

Having the top seed gives the Orange a huge advantage in the quarterfinals as they will easily defeat Louisville. SU will have a tougher matchup in the semifinals, but I think it should get by either UNC or UVA.

The lacrosse gods will likely have the championship come down to another matchup with Boston College — a team Syracuse has lost to five straight times. Even though the Orange have dropped each of their last three games to the Eagles by one goal, they’ll get over the hump this time because of Emma Tyrrell.

Against Boston College on April 18, the offense all performed except Tyrrell, who was held to one goal. Tyrrell will put that performance behind her and help SU win the conference.

Justin Girshon
Finally
Finish: ACC Champions

Nine years ago facing North Carolina in double overtime of the ACC Tournament final, Kayla Treanor netted a game-winner to propel Syracuse to its first ACC Tournament title.

While SU has perennially been one of the best teams in the conference, it hasn’t returned to an ACC Tournament final. The Orange have consistently fallen short since, especially in Treanor’s tenure as head coach.

As the No. 3 seed in 2022, Syracuse was upset 18-14 by No. 6 Virginia in the quarterfinals. Then, as the No. 2 seed last year, SU narrowly defeated No. 7 Virginia Tech in the quarterfinals before falling flat versus No. 3 North Carolina in the semifinals.

Now as the No. 1 seed, all the pressure is on Syracuse to finally win its second ACC Tournament. And it will.

Syracuse’s diverse attacking options allows it to beat teams in many different ways. Additionally, SU’s defense — which ranks No. 7 per Lacrosse Reference’s defensive efficiency metric — has been consistent throughout the season. The Orange are perfectly built to make a deep ACC Tournament run and I see no reason why they won’t win it all.

Timmy Wilcox
Close but no cigar
Finish: ACC Runner-ups

Matching up with Louisville Wednesday will be a tune up for Syracuse. The Orange defeated the Cardinals earlier this season and though they’re coming off a first-round victory, Treanor’s squad will put the game away early against Louisville.

In the semifinals, Syracuse will likely face Virginia, a team it narrowly defeated in the regular season. The Orange used a 3-0 run to end the game and a 21-11 advantage in the draw control circle to complete a comeback victory. With Kate Mashewske’s recent success, she will dominate in the circle again and be a big reason why SU will move on to the ACC title.

Once it reaches the championship, a date with No. 2 Notre Dame or No. 3 Boston College is likely. BC and ND are atop the ACC in scoring margin, points per game and goals allowed. Though Syracuse’s regular-season finale loss to Boston College draws some concern.

The Orange have the talent to keep the game close with whoever they face but versus BC, they showed an offense that disappeared late and a potentially vulnerable defense, which leads me to believe they will crumble late and lose the ACC Championship.

Published on April 23, 2024 at 11:03 pm