The Syracuse lacrosse program had one of those seasons where you could feel the potential, but they just couldn’t quite put it all together when it mattered most. Gary Gait has really turned the ship around but they have to start getting over the hump. Things started off strong early in the year as they handled Vermont, Colgate, and Manhattan without much trouble and while these dominate wins are expected it certainly built momentum. That was until the Terrapins came to the Dome and gave Syracuse a one-goal loss that I’m sure the Orange wanted to win to prove the haters wrong. They bounced back with a dominant win over Utah before another gut-punch loss to Army in another one-goal battle. It was clear at this point the team couldn’t find its grove against talented opponents.
The Orange took care of High Point then finally pulled out a big win against Johns Hopkins and followed it up with a solid showing against Delaware. But the biggest statement came against Duke, where they put together one of their most complete games of the season in a 10-4 win. It felt like they were turning a corner. Then the up-and-down nature of their season hit again with tough losses to Notre Dame and Cornell. The responded with a gritty win over North Carolina and a huge confidence boost in a high-scoring win over Virginia, 18-17.
The rematch against Duke in the ACC tournament didn’t go their way falling 13-18. They still were able to make their way to the NCAA Tournament where they took down Towson 20-15, however their season was spoiled to Denver in the second round. Another frustrating close loss, and just like that, the season was over. Finishing with a respectable record, Syracuse showed flashes of brilliance, but they’ll be looking to take that next step in 2025.
Syracuse Lacrosse had some serious firepower in 2024, led by Joey Spallina, who was the engine of the offense with 88 points on 37 goals and 51 assists. Owen Hiltz followed up with 65 points, showing his scoring ability with 38 goals. Christian Mulé and Finn Thomson added depth, combining for 82 points, while Michael Leo provided a steady presence with 28 goals. Jake Stevens was a key contributor despite playing only 16 games, and Sam English rounded out the top scorers. The Orange had plenty of weapons, but balancing scoring depth and consistency will be key heading into 2025.
Syracuse Lacrosse brings back some key pieces from 2024, with Joey Spallina, Owen Hiltz, Finn Thomson, Michael Leo, and Sam English all returning to lead the offense. Spallina, now a junior, will continue to be the focal point of the offense, creating opportunities and putting up big numbers while hunting for a Tewaaraton. Hiltz, a redshirt senior, brings experience and a scoring touch, while Thomson and Leo provide depth and versatility. English, in his final season, will play a veteran role with a ton of experience. Losing Christian Mulé, Jake Stevens, and goalie Will Mark leaves gaps, but this returning core gives the Syracuse lacrosse program plenty of firepower heading into the 2025 season.
Syracuse has a tough but exciting 2025 schedule that should test them early and often. They kick things off at home against Jacksonville and Vermont before a big ranked matchup against Towson in the Dome. A road test at Maryland will be one of their biggest non-conference challenges where they will look to avenge last year’s loss. They also host Harvard, another ranked opponent which is a game you cannot sleep on. Trips to Utah and Virginia will test their road toughness, while home games against Johns Hopkins, Manhattan, and Colgate give them chances to build momentum.
ACC play is always a gauntlet, and Syracuse faces some brutal matchups per usual. They host Notre Dame in what should be a high-stakes battle, then take on Cornell in the middle of conference play at a neutral site, which could have major postseason implications, especially late in the year. Their last two games at Duke and at home against North Carolina will be massive, as both teams are perennial powerhouses. Every game matters, and with key returners leading the way, this season will be about proving they can hang with the best. If they put it all together, the Syracuse lacrosse program could make a serious push in 2025.
