Syracuse men’s and women’s lacrosse teams reload for 2021

Both Syracuse Orange lacrosse teams (men’s and women’s) were poised to make Final Four runs before the 2020 season was cancelled. The disappointment has been somewhat mitigated by the news that most of the men and women from those squads will be back next year to renew the title chase.

Syracuse’s women’s lacrosse team was on the hunt for the program’s first national title. After an early stumble against Stony Brook the Orange played their way into the top four in the polls fueled by a road win against the Maryland Terrapins. Syracuse will bring back Tewaarton Award candidate Emily Hawryschuk and starting goalie Asa Goldstock who was leading the NCAA in goals against average when the season ended. This duo will look to close their Orange career as the first captains to bring the women’s title back to the Cuse.

The Syracuse men were sitting in the No. 1 spot when the season ended and had the look of a squad that could finally get the Orange back to the Final Four for the first time since 2013. Over the last month the Orange have learned that many of their seniors will return to take that final shot at bringing the program back to the top of the men’s lacrosse world.

The Orange will need to replace defender Nick Mellen but with yesterday’s announcement from Stephen Rehfuss Syracuse will return their entire starting attack and first-line midfield (Jamie Trimboli previously announced his return as well). Syracuse also gets Danny Varello back at the face-off spot, Peter Dearth as a defensive midfielder and Drake Porter in net thanks to the University’s commitment to support the returns of these athletes for another season.

Competition will be tough for both squads but we should be in for a special spring of lacrosse in 2021.