CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Around this time a year ago, Hakeem Lecky couldn’t buy a goal.

None of his 11 shots through Syracuse’s first three games last season found the back of the net. Only two of his first 19 rips of the year did. He had the speed to burn defenders, but not the skill to finish the play.

But Saturday night, the redshirt junior couldn’t have looked much more different than his former self.

“He was feeling it,” midfielder Scott Loy said. “That’s the best I’ve ever seen him play.”

Although it wasn’t enough for the No. 6 Orange (2-2, 0-2 Atlantic Coast) in its 17-12 loss to No. 4 Virginia (6-0, 6-1), Syracuse’s starting midfield line combined for eight goals and four assists, with Lecky and his four scores at the forefront. He netted three goals in the second half to try to mount a late comeback, but the Cavaliers massive advantage at the faceoff X gave SU limited opportunities.

Lecky initiated the Orange’s game-opening 3-0 run by dodging down the right lane past UVA defender Bobby Hill, and sniping a laser past goalie Matt Barrett’s right-hand side.

“We’re just somehow finding the open holes,” Lecky said.

Almost six minutes into the second half, SU defender Sean Young tossed a pass ahead to Lecky. He hauled it in and charged toward the crease, daring a UVA defender to pick him up and force him to dish it.

Greg Danseglio was too late. Lecky drilled a shot inside the left post and drew the Orange within one at 9-8.

Lecky logged a hat trick with a score at the end of the third quarter, attempting to give Syracuse some life heading into the fourth. Midway through the final frame, Lecky side-stepped a defender toward his right, left his feet and whipped a shot past Barrett’s right again. The goal cut the Cavaliers’ lead to 14-12 and although Syracuse wouldn’t score again, it was proof of how far Lecky’s come in the last year.

If the Orange can secure itself more possessions per game as the year progresses, it may need to turn to Lecky more frequently.

“It’s great to see him do that well,” SU head coach John Desko said. “He dodged extremely well, placed the ball well against their goalie. I’d like to have the ball more to give him more opportunities.”

Published on March 2, 2014 at 4:22 pm

Contact Phil: pmdabbra@syr.edu | @PhilDAbb