The incredible post-season run of the fourth-seeded Syracuse women’s lacrosse team ended just short of a historic first national championship for the 15-year program. The Orange fell to perennial NCAA power Northwestern, 8-6, Sunday night in the championship game at LaValle Stadium in Stony Brook, N.Y.
The title was the second-seeded, defending champion Wildcats’ (22-2) seventh in the last eight seasons.
After late game comebacks in the quarterfinals against North Carolina and semi-final round versus top-seed Florida, the Orange (19-4) could not come back one final time after trailing 5-4 at halftime. Instead, the tortoise-paced, trademark play of the ‘Cats controlled the tempo in the second half holding the ball and limiting the goal opportunities.
The loss left the ‘Cuse program one win shy of culminating the goal of athletic director Daryl Gross when he lured Gary Gait back to campus with an unheard of financial package for a coach in the women’s sport in the summer of 2007 – winning a national championship.
Congratulations to the SU women’s lacrosse team as NCAA runners-up for 2012.
For more Syracuse coverage, Like our Facebook page and follow us @TheJuiceOnline.
