Syracuse secured a hard-fought 12-10 victory over Virginia on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome, closing the game with three unanswered goals to earn its first ACC win of the season. The No. 8 Orange improved to 8-2 overall, while Virginia dropped to 5-5.
Michael Leo and Owen Hiltz led Syracuse with three goals each, with Hiltz scoring the game’s final two goals, including the winner with just over two minutes remaining. Sam English played a key role, tallying two goals and two assists, including the game-tying goal with 7:15 left. Payton Anderson, Wyatt Hottle, and John Mullen also contributed to the offensive effort.
Virginia started strong, building a 5-1 lead after the first quarter. Syracuse responded with two goals in the second to cut the deficit to 6-4 at halftime. The third quarter saw a scoring surge, as Leo’s hat trick helped the Orange take an 8-6 lead before Virginia tied it at 8-8.
The Cavaliers briefly led 10-9 in the fourth before English tied it, and Hiltz sealed the win with two late goals.
Goalie Jimmy McCool was a difference-maker with 17 saves.
Syracuse now prepares to host No. 6 Notre Dame on April 5 at 2 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].