Takeaways from Syracuse women's lacrosse's win over Cornell as it prepares for #2 North Carolina

Photo by Daniel Gaither

Syracuse won its 14th straight game against Cornell and its third game of the season on Tuesday night pushing them to 3-0 on the season. Cornell did at one point hold a 2-1 lead over the Orange in the first quarter but five straight points to close out the quarter and then another six points in the second quarter led to an 18-10 Syracuse win. 

While the game was out of hand for the most part, there are a few concerns with the team as it looks ahead to facing a #2 UNC team. Here are some takeaways from Syracuse's season so far as it prepares for the Tar Heels. 

TURNOVERS

While this Orange team put up 18 points against Cornell on Tuesday, that's only three more against an unranked team than they had against #9 Maryland. The biggest reason for the "lack of scoring" on Tuesday was turnovers. This team had 12 turnovers in the first half and 19 by the end of the game. 

Through three games the Orange are averaging 17 turnovers per game. 

Tuesday, the team had its most turnovers of the season, but the turnovers were also timely, a lot of them putting Cornell in position to score and had the Orange been playing a better team; they would have capitalized on the multitude of opportunities. 

DEFENSE

Simultaneously while the offense turns the ball over, the defense is bailing them out. In the game against Maryland the offense had 15 turnovers but the defense forced 15 of their own. Tuesday against Cornell the offense had 19 turnovers but the defense forced 17 of their own. 

Not only is the defense being stingy and getting takeaways, they're forcing the opposing offenses into uncomfortable shots. More times than not off of a turnover the Cornell offense either could not fully clear the ball downfield or when they did the Orange cut off opportunities for fast break points. 

More to the point, you could argue that in both the Maryland and Cornell games, the opposing offenses looked shaken, maybe even surprised at the fact that they had cleared the ball. This never allowed them to fully settle into their offensive sets. A lot of the offense for Cornell on Tuesday consisted of errant passes, slow shots, rushed shots wide of the goal. 

DANIELLA GUYETTE

On the topic of defense, let us talk about Daniella Guyette. Cornell scored 10 points on the day taking 30 shots, 24 of them on goal leading to 14 saves from Daniella Guyette. Guyette has truly stepped up to the plate after losing the #1 goalie in college in Delaney Sweitzer. Tuesday also marked back to back games with career-highs in saves. 

After the first game of the season Guyette said that she did not know if she would be able to fill the shoes in the same way as Sweitzer and, truth be told, that is a tall task. Nonetheless, Guyette said she would be taking the season one game at a time. So far she has done this really well. 

Today was the first time Guyette allowed double-digit points. No, I'm not crowning her yet, but she has held her own early. Especially holding #9 Maryland to single digits in her first real action against a top ranked team. 

She will continue to face challenges as the season progresses and fans and analysts alike will continue to assess her play, but for now she looks to have all the tools needed to succeed. 

DRAW CONTROL

This is the section of the team that is probably the most cause for concern for coach Kayla Treanor. Not because it is horrible, bad or anything of the sort. Simply because if there was a weak spot on this team the control 'X' would be it. 

On Saturday against Maryland the Orange went 12 for 28 on draw controls. On Tuesday, against the Orange split with Cornell at 16 apiece. Not great numbers in a game against a non-ranked opponent, making it two games since the Orange have won at the control 'X'. 

Simply put this is an even bigger concern when you add turnovers to the equation. The Orange are losing possessions, possessions that will prove crucial later in the season and in the tournament where this team has high hopes. 

ADAMSON AND WARD

If there were two players to lead your offensive attack and team, these two are who every team should want. As players they get the offense going, as leaders they inspire, set the example, and coordinate. 

When the teams need a goal, they can always count on Adamson and Ward to put a player in position or get it done themselves. Ward has expanded her game to play in many different positions rather than just from X behind the goal as previously seen. Adamson is not only scoring her own goals by finding open teammates on cuts for their scores. 

These two have also brought along a gauntlet of freshmen in this at-times potent offensive attack. They will be a joy to watch for the rest of the season. And coach Treanor can surely count on Adamson and Ward to leave her young players with the right example in lieu of their departures. 

Next up for the Orange is a potent UNC team. UNC is ranked #2 in the nation and will definitely provide a test. For the Orange to win this contest they will have to clean up sloppy play and the playmakers will have to show up. Sounds cliche, but easier said than done.