Two longtime ACC foes are set for a virtual showdown on Friday, as No. 3 Notre Dame and No. 5 Syracuse square off in the women’s championship game of the Nike / US Lacrosse Magazine Virtual NCAA Tournament.

Syracuse is 17-8 all-time against the Irish, but Notre Dame has captured two of the past three matchups. These teams didn’t get to play in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — that game was scheduled for March 29 — but both programs have much to look forward to in 2021.

This might be a virtual championship game, but each of these teams had real-life title aspirations. Let’s break down what could have happened.

Notre Dame Preview

A 7-0 start propelled the Irish to No. 2 in the Nike / US Lacrosse Magazine Division I Women’s Top 20. The usual suspects continued performing at a high level — namely Andie Aldave and Maddie Howe — but a pair of top-ranked freshmen came in to put Notre Dame over the top.

As we highlighted Wednesday, Kasey Choma and Madison Ahern, respectively ranked first and second by IL Women in the Power 100 incoming freshmen rankings, were on-field leaders. Choma led the team with 22 goals, and Ahern led the team with 11 assists and 27 points.

Notre’s Dame offense is strong, but the team is balanced and earned three ranked wins in the shortened season.

Syracuse Preview

You know the stars. Emily Hawryschuk was a probable Tewaaraton finalist had the season not abruptly ended. The senior, who announced she’ll return next year, scored 39 goals in eight games and added seven assists for good measure. There’s more firepower on this offense. Megan Carney, Meaghan Tyrrell, Sam Swart and Sierra Cockerille each scored at least 12 goals.

But don’t sleep on this defense, a unit we highlighted Tuesday. Sarah Cooper headlines the backer defense, which limited opponents to just seven goals per game. That ranked first in the nation.

Under-the-Radar Stars

Samantha Lynch, Notre Dame: She impacts the game all over the field, recording 13 goals, four assists, five ground balls and three caused turnovers this year.

Bridget Deehan, Notre Dame: Can a goalkeeper be under the radar? Deehan stepped up to replace an all-time great in Sam Giacalone, saving 58 shots for a .547 save percentage. She allowed 7.78 goals per game.

Sam Swart, Syracuse: The versatile left-handed midfielder was second on the team in goals as a freshman. Now a junior, she had 12 goals, 10 assists, five ground balls and three caused turnovers this year.

Kerry Defliese, Syracuse: The redshirt-junior defender was a rock for this top-ranked defense, securing 15 ground balls and causing eight turnovers.

Statistical Comparison

*National rank in parenthesis

History

Syracuse has a 17-8 all-time edge but is 1-2 the last three seasons. The Orange were victorious in 2019, as a four-goal advantage in the second half led them to a 10-9 win. Hawyrschuk had four goals and one assist, and Swart and Cara Quimby each scored twice. Asa Goldstock made 11 saves.

Quotable

“Their speed and defense is incredible. That high powered, high scoring offense from Syracuse would have been a challenge.” — Madison Ahern, Notre Dame

“Just Syracuse in itself. It’s one of the top lacrosse schools, always. Going against them would’ve been a real testament to how good we really were this year and really test us. I would love to have seen that.” — Kasey Choma, Notre Dame

“Last year, we had a tough time against them. They were a strong dodging team. We were kind of on our heels that game. They’re a great cutting team. They can get the ball on the 8 and take a shot.” — Sarah Cooper, Syracuse

How to Vote

Voting in the Nike / US Lacrosse Magazine Virtual NCAA championship game begins Friday on Twitter (@uslacrossemag). You can vote all weekend long to help us determine the virtual champion.