Syracuse’s offense beat Virginia Tech 14-12

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Syracuse was still scoreless midway through the first period, down 1-0 at Virginia Tech. Normal goals just seemed out of place.

In the women’s advantage, Emma Ward sat behind the net and found Emma Tyrrell directly in front of Hokies goalie Jocelyn Torres. Emma Torres took an off-balance ball which she miraculously saved with her knee.

Although Syracuse (16-1 Atlantic Coast) defeated Virginia Tech (10-9, 3-6 ACC) 14-12 in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament, it was a lackluster performance. On Wednesday, the team scored a season-low offensive output of 14 points. The Orange entered the game shooting 52%, the best in the nation. But against VT, SU shot just 45% and were just 2-for-7 in the first quarter. The Hokies aren’t known for being defensive powerhouses, but Syracuse still found itself in an offensive slump in the quarterfinals.

Moments after her sister’s shot was saved, Megan Tyrrell muscled her way into the net and crossed Torres’ face. Torres lands a hard kick that seems slow to react. But the shot went off the post and the Orange missed the goal.

Syracuse soon regained its confidence, scoring two goals in less than two minutes from Emma and Maddie Baxter. As the first frame drew to a close, the Orange had another rash of missed opportunities at home.

Savannah Switzer had a clear line of sight to the net and missed high with just over two minutes left in the quarter. Seconds later, Torres saved a hard ball from Emma and another from Megan half a minute later.

Syracuse entered the half shooting just 29 percent. This was despite forcing Torres to make 3 saves.

SU won the ball to start the second frame and held the ball in the hockey zone for a minute. Natalie Smith took her second shot of the day and was saved by Torres. Megan Carney ran the post minutes later, tying the game at 2-2 minutes into the period.

Smith and Carney escaped again in the quarter. Torres stopped Smith’s rocket from the left side of the net with five minutes to go. Three minutes later, Carney shot the ball wide and wide to the right. She took bad seconds later.

Syracuse only trailed 6-5 entering the third quarter, its smallest halftime lead all season. VT kept Megan from scoring in the first half.

Fortunately, the Orange were effective all day in the third quarter, lighting up the net with five goals on six shots. Excluding that stretch, the Orange shot just 36 percent Wednesday. They returned to their first half loss in the final season.

Sierra Cockerill scored her first three goals of the day, scoring a free kick late in the third and finding the back of the net early in the fourth. On the same possession, Syracuse was awarded a free position. Torres made the third save with Emma going into the net.

Smith took control of the Orange by taking the ball that stunned Torres. After Jordan Tilley’s foul, Cockerill was working around 8m. She fought her way in and tried to put the ball around Torres, but the keeper was too quick and stopped the ball.

Two straight saves by Delaney Switzer sent the All-ACC first-team goalie off a long shot to send her team down the field. SU held the ball in the Virginia Tech zone for about a minute before getting off some shots.

Cockerill tries a free kick from distance but is awarded the orange ball. Olivia Adamson broke away from defense 8 meters out. Again, Torres blocked the shot and Tilly cleared it out of contention. Torres then cleared and 40 seconds into the game VTT midfielder Blair Guy shot home to tie the game six minutes from time.

But then Megan turned on, scoring twice to easily reach the game. The Orange got the job done against the Hokies, but posted their second-worst shooting percentage all year as an off-the-radar team. He also missed the ball more than usual with 70% of his shots on goal. Emma, ​​Cockerill and Smith all shot below average percentages at VT.