No. 3 Syracuse (2-0) backed up its convincing victory in Tuesday’s season opener with the most dominant performance in team history.

After exploding for 16 tallies in the first half, the Orange went on to break a program record by scoring 25 times in a shutout of Stetson Friday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Sixteen different players recorded points for SU, which eclipsed its previous program high of 24 goals set back in 2008.

“We’re very happy with both results this week,” Syracuse head coach Gary Gait said after the win. “The team feels confident, and they’re definitely on a mission this year.”

Attackers Alyssa Murray and Kayla Treanor again led the Syracuse barrage. The latter opened the scoring only 1:09 into the contest and added two more goals during the opening half.

Murray, who was named Lacrosse Magazine’s Preseason Player of the Year earlier this week, added four scores of her own.

The two have already combined for 16 goals this season.

“(Treanor and Murray) have such a great lacrosse I.Q.,” Gait said. “It’s only two games in, but they’ve been outstanding.”

They also received plenty of help from their teammates.

Freshman Taylor Poplawski notched her first career hat trick, while junior Gabby Jaquith dished out a career-high five assists.

The Orange dominated the Hatters in all phases, outshooting them 43-2 and controlling 22-of-27 draws. The shutout is only the third in program history and the first since Syracuse’s inaugural season in 1998.

SU will return to the field Feb. 16 against Canisius in the Carrier Dome. Although Gait said he would like to see more patience from his offense by that point, he is very pleased with the team’s strong start.

“The real measuring stick is coming soon, but they feel good,” he said. “It’s just nice to get back into competition mode.”

Published on January 25, 2014 at 10:44 am

Contact Tyler: tfpiccot@syr.edu