Notre Dame Women’s Lacrosse: No. 2 Syracuse Completes Sweep of No. 4 Irish

If Notre Dame was going to avenge its four-goal loss Thursday to Syracuse, the Irish would have to contain Orange sophomore Katelyn Mashewske in the draw circle.

Instead, Mashewske won a career-high 13 draw controls en route to the No. 2 Orange’s 15-12 win Sunday in the Carrier Dome.

The No. 4 Irish were out-drawn 22-7, three days after losing the battle for control 21-13. The Orange’s repeated ability to control possession — along with their crisp passing in the offensive zone — were the difference makers in both contests.

The first half Sunday couldn’t have been more different from Thursday’s meeting, in which the Irish surrendered four goals early in an 18-14 loss. The Irish jumped out to a 7-2 lead Sunday, stifling Orange sticks and clogging middles effectively.

The Orange showed signs of life late in the first half to close the halftime deficit to three, before ripping off the first six goals of the second half to take a 10-7 lead.

Irish goaltender Bridget Deehan, who was pulled late in Thursday’s contest, had a career best 14 saves Sunday. The senior started off on fire, saving five of the Orange’s first six shots on goal.

Junior attack Megan Carney led all scorers with four goals for the Orange, while senior attack Maddie Howe countered with three Irish goals and four points total. Junior midfielder Sierra Cockerille, who scored five goals Thursday, had four assists for Syracuse Sunday.

In total, Syracuse had assists on 12 of its 15 scores.

The Orange outshot the Irish, 38-23, had more shots on goal (29-23) and scooped up more ground balls (19-16). The Irish had fewer miscues (9 versus 14) and caused more turnovers (8 to 7).

The Irish (2-2, 0-2 ACC) will host the Liberty Lady Flames (4-3) at 7 p.m. Friday, before playing again Sunday afternoon in Louisville. The Cardinals are 4-2 and ranked No. 19, but have to play No. 1 North Carolina on the Thursday prior to hosting the Irish.

The Orange, who have their best start since 2017 and have now beaten five Top 10 teams, are off until March 27.