Opening up the season on the road is tough as is, but to open against the third-ranked team in the nation would be overwhelming to most squads. But, despite dropping the contest 9-6, the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team looked unfazed in its trip to Syracuse.
“It was our first obstacle, but our girls responded well,” BU head coach Stephanie Allen said. “I was really proud of the team play and level of intensity that we showed against a very tough and talented opponent.”
While non-conference matches may have little significance in BU’s America East (AE) finish, early games against top-ranked opponents can serve as building blocks for eventual conference play. And although the Bearcats were defeated, 9-6, by the Orange (2-0), BU stood its ground against a top opponent in the country for the full 60 minutes.
The early minutes of the contest were characterized by a slow pace of play until junior midfielder Callon Williams registered the first shot of the game just over three minutes in. The Bearcats continued to demonstrate grit throughout the frame, limiting the Orange to three shots in 10 minutes of play.
But Syracuse found the back of the net on its fourth shot, courtesy of a turnover in the offensive zone that transitioned to a goal scored 11 minutes in. Following another quick SU score, the Orange called for a timeout. The strategy proved worthwhile, as the Bearcats immediately let up a goal to trail, 3-0. Binghamton finally began to create offensive opportunities in the final third of the opening half. After a save by senior goalkeeper Erin McNulty, BU found the back of the net. Freshman midfielder Olivia Batista kicked off her collegiate career by notching the Bearcats’ first goal of the year to cut the deficit to 3-1. Five minutes later, junior attack Brianne Arthur picked up where she left off in 2015 by tallying her first of the season, making the score 3-2.
With three goals total, including two in the last minute, Syracuse quieted the momentum of the Bearcats, adding a goal at 1:24. Sophomore attack Tiffany Ryan controlled the ensuing draw and sparked a late goal from sophomore midfielder Miriam Ghabarou, feeding off a nice pass from senior attack Sophia Racciatti. Syracuse added another goal in the closing seconds to take a 5-3 lead at the half.
Binghamton came out of the gate on fire in the second half, scoring two goals to tie the score at five. BU possessed the ball well, eventually leading to its first free position chance. Around six minutes in, Racciatti converted a nice delivery from freshman midfielder Rebecca Golderman to get the Bearcats within one score. Before the blink of an eye, Williams scored via a free position attempt to even the game.
“It was just executing on our shooting and possessing the ball [to take] some valuable time off of the clock,” Allen said when discussing the reason for the team’s early success in the second.
The Binghamton momentum abruptly came to an end when Syracuse regained the lead at the 20:52 mark. With a stagnant BU offense, the Orange managed to control play and break the game open. Three more goals stretched SU’s lead to 9-5 before Ryan broke the Syracuse streak late to make the final 9-6.
Notable performances for the Bearcats came on the defensive end of the field. While McNulty was stellar anchoring in goal — earning six saves on the day — senior defender Allie Rodgers also shined. The captain rose to the occasion against a tough opponent, causing four turnovers and picking up four ground balls. But, even with a strong opening, Allen hopes that this is only the beginning as her team continues to raise the bar.
“For us, we need to stay focused, stay humble and keep chipping away,” Allen said.
The Bearcats are set to return to action this Saturday for their home opener against Niagara University. First draw is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.