In a thrilling season for Syracuse University men’s lacrosse, the team finds itself back at the top as the newly ranked number one team in the country for the first time in six years. With a stellar 11-9 victory over the former number one, Maryland, the Orange are looking to build on this momentum as they embark on a challenging road trip that begins this weekend.
This marks an unprecedented stretch for Syracuse, with six consecutive away games—the most for the program since the 1970s. This weekend’s matchup against Harvard is particularly notable as it’s the first time since 1985 that the two teams will meet in Cambridge, where Syracuse holds an impressive 12-0 record against the Crimson. The game is set for 1 p.m. at Jordan Field, and fans can follow the action via ESPN+ and the Syracuse Sports Network.
The Orange’s recent success has not gone unnoticed. They recently swept the Atlantic Coast Conference’s weekly honors, showcasing their depth and talent. Senior attackman, who led the scoring against Maryland, received the Offensive Player of the Week accolade for the second consecutive week. On the defensive front, a standout performance from a teammate earned him the Defensive Player of the Week honor, underlining the team’s balanced prowess on both ends of the field.
Syracuse’s rise to the top spot in the USILA Division I Coaches Poll marks a significant milestone, with this ranking being the 100th time the Orange have reached number one since the poll’s inception in 1973. Historically, Syracuse boasts a solid record of 120-24 when holding the top ranking, and the team’s challenging schedule this season places them against several other top-ranked opponents, providing ample opportunity to prove their mettle.
Each of Syracuse’s upcoming games will be crucial, especially as they face numerous Ivy League teams, competing against some of the toughest opponents in Division I lacrosse. This makes their journey not only about maintaining their number one status but also about solidifying their legacy against historic rivals.
As they look to achieve a 4-0 start, which would be their best since the 2020 season and a chance to continue their perfect record against Harvard, the Orange are poised to make a strong impression. With optimism high, fans can look forward to an exciting weekend of lacrosse as Syracuse sets out to defend their top rank and bring home even more victories.