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The Syracuse women’s lacrosse team enters the 2021 season ranked No. 3 in Inside Lacrosse’s preseason poll. Syracuse began last year at No. 2 in the preseason poll and eventually dropped two spots to No. 4 following seven wins and a loss. Last season was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic in March, but the NCAA’s ruling that spring sport athletes retain their eligibility means 10 of Syracuse’s 11 seniors are returning this season. 

In attack, Morgan Alexander will return for a sixth season after suffering a season-ending knee injury in February of last year. First-team All-American Emily Hawryschuk also returns to Syracuse’s attack — she concluded last season with the sixth-most points and goals in SU history and will look to continue climbing that list this season. Hawryschuk and goalie Asa Goldstock announced they would return for a fifth year on the same day last April. Goldstock led the nation with a 7.07 goals-against average.

In the midfield, Vanessa Costantino, Cara Quimby, and Bella Recchion return after the trio scored five combined goals and notched three assists last season. Lila Nazarian, Ella Simkins and Kerry Defliese return in defense along with draw specialist Morgan Widner.

Seven Atlantic Coast Conference teams made the top 20 rankings, including North Carolina and Notre Dame at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Duke, Boston College, Virginia and Virginia Tech were ranked No. 11, No. 13, No. 14, and No. 16, respectively. The Orange have yet to announce their schedule for the season but are pursuing the program’s first-ever NCAA title.