The Atlantic Coast Conference championship was a game for Syracuse to prove its worth. To solidify its hold on the nation’s top ranking and a conference it had joined this year.

It was a chance to get redemption for its only loss this season, and show that the tide was shifting in a matchup it had only won once in 15 tries.

But as Maryland rushed the field as the final seconds ticked off the clock, No. 1 Syracuse (16-2, 6-1 ACC) was only left with what could have been in a 13-7 loss to the No. 2 Terrapins (19-1, 6-1) in the ACC tournament final on Sunday in front of 687 people in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

“That was an outstanding Maryland team,” SU head coach Gary Gait said. “… I thought they did a great job of getting turnovers when they needed and ground balls in the second half. I think that was the biggest difference.”

Maryland started quickly out of the gate, scoring the first two goals of the game, as it eventually built a 6-3 lead. But each time the Terps seemed to have a grasp on the game, the Orange responded.

After Maryland made it 2-0, Syracuse scored two of its own. After UMD built up the three-goal advantage, Syracuse hung around to make it 7-5 going into halftime.

In the second half, though, Syracuse wasn’t able to respond. A two-goal lead quickly became five, and any hope the Orange had to win its first-ever ACC tournament was quickly dashed.

The difference for SU came at the draw circle, a place it’s dominated all season. Kailah Kempney and Kirkland Locey couldn’t get it going, losing 13-of-22 on the game, which led to a 27-to-15 shot advantage for Maryland.

“They obviously dominated the draw control, especially in the first half, just winning the possessions,” Gait said. “I think our defense was under pressure all game long — couldn’t get possession for 70 percent of the game.”

Kayla Treanor finished with three goals to lead Syracuse, but it wasn’t enough. Brooke Griffin and Taylor Cummings both collected hat tricks to lead the Terrapins.

Syracuse came into the day as the No. 1 team in the country, but needed a win to validate that ranking.

It had its opportunity, but came up well short.

The Orange will now return home to finish up the regular season against Loyola (Md.) on Saturday at the Carrier Dome before awaiting its seeding for NCAA tournament, which starts the weekend after.

“We didn’t quit,” Gait said. “Played until the end. And we have lots more lacrosse left this year.”

Published on April 27, 2014 at 6:02 pm

Contact Sam: sblum@syr.edu | @SamBlum3