Boston College women’s lacrosse throttles Syracuse to advance to Elite Eight

Boston College women’s lacrosse has been a contender every year since Acacia Walker's arrival on staff in 2011. But it seems like Syracuse is usually there to trip them up somewhere along the way.

In each of the previous three seasons, Syracuse had knocked BC out either in the ACC or NCAA tournament. Even this season, the Eagles suffered a heavy regular season defeat at Syracuse, losing 18-8 in their ACC opener back in February.

After another strong regular season, BC seemed to get the short end of the stick in the NCAA selection process, getting shipped out to Syracuse yet again - first having to go through Canisius in their backyard before getting a chance to face the Orange.

This time, however, the shoe was on the other foot. Boston College blasted Syracuse 21-10, taking an early lead and never looking back en route to an appearance in the NCAA Elite Eight.

Record-setting Sam Apuzzo continued her stellar season with another great performance today, potting 5 goals and 2 assists. Kate Weeks (4-2--6) also had a huge game for BC.

The game was rarely in doubt, but the Eagles buried all Syracuse hopes with a torrid ten minute stretch in the second half, extending a 15-9 lead to a 20-9 lead and keeping Syracuse off the board for a full 13 minutes. When Syracuse finally picked up their tenth goal, there were only 5 minutes left and the clock was running toward a BC victory.

It was a statement weekend for the Eagles, who destroyed both opponents and put up 20+ goals each game. They have the most goals of any team in the NCAA tournament so far (42) and are second in average scoring, after UNC, who scored 23 in their one and only game today after receiving a first round bye.

The Eagles now look to next weekend, when they will host USC in the NCAA quarterfinal in Newton. The Eagles’ path to hosting opened up when USC upset #3 Florida.

With a win next weekend, BC can advance to their first ever Final Four - and there couldn’t be a sweeter year to do it, with Gillette Stadium hosting this year.