Part Two: #5 Syracuse Orange Women Take Down Binghamton Bearcats

Story and photo by Jacqueline Mundry

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Syracuse Orange women picked up where they left off Saturday afternoon when they jumped out to a 6-0 lead early in the first half Saturday night.

The Orange (3-0) kept the lead throughout the game, defeating the Binghamton Bearcats (0-2) 16-5 to remain unbeaten and complete a day/night doubleheader sweep after downing Canisius 18-6 in the opener.

Double header affect

The Orange offense did not let the fact that the team played just hours before be an excuse to let up on scoring. Over the course of their first three games this season, it has scored 52 points.

Eleven Syracuse players contributed to the team's 16 points by recording goals. There was also one hat trick on the night by junior midfielder, Kelzi Van Atta.

Coach Gary Gait said he was proud of his team executing, especially since it had played earlier in the day.

"They're working on getting better every day," he said. "You can tell they're probably getting a little bit tired but they still executed pretty well and put the ball in the back."

Freshman defender, Morgan Widner said although it is exhausting, she enjoys doubleheaders.

"It's honestly such an amazing experience, we were talking about it in the locker room today. A lot of other teams in the NCAA don't get the opportunity to play two teams in one day so it's just a good opportunity to play two different teams, two different styles, get some more lacrosse under our belt."

Widner was very successful at the draw in both games, winning 14 of 22 against Binghamton. She credits her teammates and coach on her success.

"How great they [teammates] are at boxing out on the circle gives me that open opportunity to get it myself and also Gary and I work a lot on a certain technique that just allows us to get it," she said.

Bearcats fall short

Binghamton was quiet most of the game, but did go on a run scoring three goals late in the second half of the game, gaining a little momentum.

Gait didn't seem worried about the Bearcats' run.

"This is a great opportunity here when you're up by 7, 8, 9 goals, you're gonna let your other players play and get some game experience," he said. "And that's kind of why we do these doubleheaders to get everybody in the game and let every staying body play."

Up next

The Bearcats will look for their first win of the season at Colgate on Wednesday at 5 p.m. while the Orange will host Massachusetts on Saturday at 4 p.m. in hopes of perfect.