Beat writers predict Syracuse women’s lacrosse season record, MVP and X-Factor

Last season, Syracuse posted its first losing season under head coach Gary Gait and was bounced in the first round of the ACC and NCAA tournaments. But the Orange are returning their three leading goal scorers from last year — Emily Hawryschuk, Nicole Levy and Sam Swart. This year’s squad, ranked No. 13 in Inside Lacrosse’s preseason poll, is all about returning players and growing from a mediocre season in 2018.

Here’s how our beat writers expect the season to go.

Eric Black
Comeback season
Record: 12-5
MVP: Emily Hawryschuk
X-Factor: Goalie play

Syracuse’s 2018 season was an anomaly. The Orange dropped five games by just one goal, with three coming in overtime. That culminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament against Princeton, when SU came back from four goals down to force overtime, only to fall in a second extra period. This year will be different. Emily Hawryschuk, who was held scoreless for just the second time all season against the Tigers, leads a talented attack group that will keep Syracuse among the nation’s leaders in scoring. But SU’s problem last year wasn’t scoring goals, which they did an average of 14.47 times a game — 21st-best in the country. Instead, they had an issue with stopping them. This season, their 91st-ranked scoring defense will no doubt improve behind goalie Asa Goldstock, who SU head coach Gary Gait said is playing outstanding during practice after struggling during her sophomore season.

KJ Edelman
Live to forget
Record: 11-6
MVP: Nicole Levy
X-Factor: Sarah Cooper

There’s a lot of factors that make forgetting last season a viable option. Syracuse didn’t have fall ball because of the mumps. They struggled to win close games — losing to Virginia, Notre Dame, Boston College — and didn’t win a conference game until April 22, the final game of the regular season. Head coach Gary Gait called it a “weird” season. Now, with a No. 13 preseason ranking, SU will get back on track. Nicole Levy and her patented trick shots will grow along with SU’s other two leading goal scorers from last year. You also can’t discount the freshman Sarah Cooper, who was named the class of 2018’s top incoming defender by Inside Lacrosse. The Orange will have their struggles against the top-three teams in the nation, but with 12 home games, they should have a rebound season and make some noise in the NCAA tournament.

Kaci Wasilewski
Redemption Tour
Record: 10-7
MVP: Nicole Levy
X-Factor: Draw control

Syracuse started last season with three decisive wins before falling to Virginia in its first conference game. Coincidently, before the Virginia game against Albany, draw control specialist Morgan Widner left with a season-ending ACL tear. Syracuse struggled at the draw for the rest of the season, ending the season 53rd in draw controls per game in the NCAA. If Syracuse can figure out the draw this season, they might be able to find success. The 12 home games will help the Orange, especially with six of those against teams ranked in the preseason top-25. SU is coming off its worst season in program history and its only losing season. It will be looking to redeem itself in the upcoming season, with senior Nicole Levy and junior Emily Hawryschuk leading a dynamic offense.