For the second time this season, Syracuse had scored three quick goals to open a game, only to see the lead dwindle.

But on Wednesday evening, No. 3 Syracuse (7-2, 1-0 Atlantic Coast) never gave up the lead completely, and the Orange’s first-half run eventually distanced itself from Harvard (4-2, 1-0 Ivy) to earn a 16-9 win at Jordan Field in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Syracuse, which was just 19-for-46 on free-position shots this season coming into the game, converted its first two courtesy of attack Nicole Levy and midfielder Gabby Jaquith and finished the half 3-for-4. Another goal from Riley Donahue made it 3-0 Syracuse.

Then two goals from Harvard’s Alexis Nicolia cut the lead down to one, but the Orange responded with a five-goal barrage that took all of three minutes, four seconds.

Halle Majorana dished out the first two, one to Natalie Wallon and the other to Levy. Levy returned the favor by assisting Majorana’s goal to open the second half.

The freshman Levy, who tied for the team high with five points, four goals and an assist, has started all nine games for SU this season and recorded multiple points in each contest other than one.

Majorana then scored on her own and, paired with two more scores from Kelly Cross and Taylor Gait, gave SU an 8-2 lead that couldn’t be overcome.

SU took an 11-4 lead into halftime and the seven-goal difference is as close as Harvard got throughout the second half.

Goalie Allie Murray saved four of the eight shots she faced and played 39:38, her lowest total since the second weekend of the season when she played just over a half against Wagner. SU emptied the bench, running out 32 players Wednesday, the most its played in the same timeframe.

Published on March 16, 2016 at 9:03 pm

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