SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse team opened the 2026 season on Saturday afternoon, falling to #2/3 Syracuse, 20-2, inside the JMA Wireless Dome after last week's opener was canceled due to weather.
 
Saint Joseph's claimed the opening faceoff and generated early opportunities, but Syracuse goalkeeper Jimmy McCool turned aside multiple Hawk chances. The Orange struck first just under five minutes into the contest and capitalized on the offensive end throughout the opening quarter. Despite winning the faceoff battle in the first 15 minutes, St. Joe's was unable to convert on 11 shot attempts, while Syracuse connected on five of its six shots on goal to build a 5-0 lead after one.
 
Syracuse opened the second quarter with an early tally, but Griffin Mallory put the Hawks on the board moments later, scoring Saint Joseph's first goal of the season to trim the deficit to five. After several scoreless possessions on both ends, the Orange closed the half on a 4-0 run over the final 6:27, taking a 10-1 advantage into the break.
 
The Orange gained control in the second half, winning 10 of 13 faceoffs and outshooting the Hawks 22-12 over the final two quarters. Syracuse outscored Saint Joseph's 10-1 after halftime to secure the 20-2 victory.
 
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Griffin Mallory and Carter Truesdell each scored a goal for the Hawks.
• Jimmy McCool finished with 10 saves and an .833 save percentage for Syracuse.
• Syracuse outshot Saint Joseph's 46-33 and won the faceoff battle, 16-26.
• The Orange were a perfect 4-for-4 in extra-man opportunities.

 
UP NEXT
Saint Joseph's returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 14, traveling to Villanova. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.