Syracuse lost its second consecutive game to a highly-ranked opponent, this time dropping a 20-11 decision to No. 2 Virginia.
The Cavaliers looked dominant right from the opening face-off, jumping out to a 4-0 lead after Griffin Schultz’s goal with 7:33 in the first quarter. Owen Seebold gave SU a temporary reprieve with the Orange’s first goal two minutes later, but the ‘Hoos piled on four more goals to take a 8-1 lead after the first quarter.
Syracuse would get back to within three midway through the third quarter after a Brendan Curry goal cut Virginia’s lead to 12-9. SU appeared to have momentum on its side after it regained possession following the goal, but a costly turnover by Griffin Cook led to a Jack Simmons goal to push the lead back to four.
That was the first of seven unanswered goals from the Cavaliers, and by the time Mikey Berkman scored with 12:37 left in the fourth, Virginia had already amassed a 19-10 lead.
The loss comes one game after SU dropped a 14-10 matchup against No. 1 Maryland, showing that head coach Gary Gait has plenty of work to do with this Syracuse team before it can compete with the top ranked programs at this point in the season.
» Related: Key takeaways from Syracuse’s 14-10 loss to Maryland
Four different players had hat tricks for the ‘Hoos, led by Connor Shellenberger, who also chipped in four assists. Petey LaSalla won 19 of 28 face-offs while Matthew Nunes notched 15 saves.
Cook had three goals for the Orange, while Seebold chipped in a pair of goals of his own.
Syracuse returns to action on Wednesday when it hosts No. 14 Army at 4:30 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.
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