With the graduation of starters Kyle Guadagnolo and Evan Brady, the unit returned Smith and added junior Matt Tierney and sophomore transfer John Lade to the starting mix. The trio had to work to develop chemistry.
"It took us a little while, but over the season, we've done a lot better," said Lade, who transferred from Villanova and ranks third on the team with 48 ground balls. "Everyone's talking to each other, and we're only going to continue to keep jelling."
Syracuse allowed Maryland and Siena to score a combined 10 goals in the tournament. Cornell is next with 12 goals allowed, followed by Virginia (14) and Duke (16). If the Orange can maintain that pace, perhaps the defense will finally receive some accolades. But no one in the unit is trying to get attention.
