Syracuse WLAX Plays With Slight Disadvantage, Falls To Team USA 19-11

The national runner-up Syracuse Orange traveled to Lake Buenca Vista, Fla. to take on Team USA in the Champion Challenge and lost 19-11 Saturday night.

The Orange played without standout attacker Michelle Tumolo and the coaching expertise of former Orange played-turned assistant coach, Katie Rowan as they were both members of the opposing team's talented roster that included the likes of: Liz Hogan (goalie, Syracuse 2011), Katrina Dowd (midfielder, Northwestern 2010) and Laura Zimmerman (midfielder, North Carolina 2012).

The Orange drew first blood on an unassisted goal from attacker Alyssa Murray. However, USA scored the next three goals and lead at halftime, 10-3. It was all USA from there, using its go-to pressure ride defense to force 22 Orange turnovers.

On the bright side, the Orange saw solid draw control play from junior Kirkland Lacey and sophomore Kailah Kempney who combined for 18 of the 32 attempts, enough to edge USA 22-12 in that category.

Murray and freshman Kayla Treanor scored five goals apiece while senior Linley Block notched one. Both goalies, sophomore Kelsey Richardson and junior Alyssa Costantino save nine and seven, respectively.