SU faced Northwestern in a neutral location at Hofstra University in the Orange’s first game away from home this season. No. 4 SU (6-0, 1-0 Atlantic Coast) picked up its sixth straight win on Friday night over No. 11 Northwestern (2-3), 5-3. The low scoring game was the first time the Orange beat the Wildcats in a location other than the Carrier Dome.

“I think the score reflects how our defense stepped up,” head coach Gary Gait said. “But also the conditions, the wind and the cold. It definitely kept the score lower.”

Shutting out Northwestern in the first half, the Orange had a 4-0 lead going into the break. Two goals by senior attack Devon Parker as well as a goal apiece for sophomore attack Nicole Levy and redshirt junior Taylor Gait drove the Orange to their lead. Freshman attack Emily Hawryschuk was the only SU player to find the net in the second half.

Freshman goalie Asa Goldstock didn’t let a goal in until almost eight minutes into the second half. She posted four saves in the first half to shutout the Wildcats. Goldstock let in three goals total and her eight saves are tied for the second most she’s had in a game.

“I thought they played very well considering the conditions,” Gait said. “The first time outside and extreme weather with the wind-chill factor. I thought our players stepped up and played well.”

The Wildcats had five free-position shots, as Christina Esposito’s goal was the team’s only successful free-position attempt.

Northwestern received six different yellow card penalties, giving the Orange a player advantage multiple times in the game. SU only capitalized on one of those opportunities, when Gait was awarded a free-position shot late in the first half.

On Sunday evening, the Orange faces its second ACC opponent of the season, Virginia, in the Carrier Dome at 4 p.m.

“We’re on our way back to Syracuse,” Gait said, “to get ready tomorrow to prep and focus on UVA.”

Published on March 3, 2017 at 10:22 pm

Contact Kaci: klwasile@syr.edu