Irish Down 'Cuse to Reach Big East Final
from press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Notre Dame senior attack
Jillian Byers had a game-high seven points, including four goals
while senior goalkeeper Erin Goodman made seven saves to lead the
Irish (13-4) past Syracuse (12-4) by the score of 16-10 in the
first semifinal game of the Big East Championship held at
Georgetown's Multi-Sport Field.
The Irish posted a slim 9-8 halftime lead and held the Orange to
just two second-half goals en route to the victory, their first in
the three-year history of Big EAst Championship. With the win Notre
Dame will face either Georgetown or Louisville in the title game of
the Big East Championship. The Irish scored the first five goals of
the second half while holding the Orange scoreless for more than
nine minutes to open the frame.
Notre Dame sophomore Kailene Abt added five points, including four
goals while junior teammate Gina Scioscia had five points on two
goals and three assists. The Irish also held a 21-10 edge on ground
balls.
Syracuse senior Katie Rowan totaled a team-leading six points,
including four assists. She moved into sixth place on the all-time
NCAA scoring list with 374 career points. Rowan climbed past
Virginia’s Amy Appelt (2002-05) and trails Temple’s
Gail Cummings (1984-88) by four points for fifth place.
The Orange moved to 12-4 on the season and remained winless
all-time (0-8) at Georgetown’s Multi-Sport Field. It also was
the first Syracuse loss (4-1) in Big East Championship play.
There were four ties and five lead changes. With the win the Irish
snapped a three-game losing streak in the all-time series and
improved to 4-9 against the Orange.
The title game of the Big East Championship will be televised live
on the CBS College Sports Network on April 26 at 1 p.m. ET.
