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Syracuse Today
By the People, for the People
Syracuse Defeats No. 1 Maryland 11-9 in Lacrosse Thriller
Orange's Joey Spallina scores 4 goals in upset win over top-ranked Terrapins
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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In a highly anticipated matchup, the Syracuse Orange men's lacrosse team defeated the top-ranked Maryland Terrapins 11-9 on Friday. The Orange led 7-4 at halftime and held on for the victory, marking head coach Gary Gait's biggest regular season win. Syracuse sophomore Joey Spallina led all players with 4 unassisted goals, including the deciding score, while junior midfielder Wyatt Hottle added 2 goals and an assist for the Orange.
Why it matters
This win over the perennial powerhouse Terrapins is a significant accomplishment for the Syracuse program, which has struggled against Maryland in recent years. The victory propels the Orange to the top of the national rankings and establishes them as a legitimate national title contender this season.
The details
Syracuse jumped out to a 7-4 halftime lead and never relinquished it, despite Maryland making a strong push in the second half. The Orange were outfaced off in the third quarter 1-7, had 10 turnovers in the second half, and went 0-2 on extra-man opportunities, but their defense stepped up to hold off the Terrapins' comeback bid. Spallina's dominant individual performance, including his game-winning goal, proved to be the difference.
- The game was played on Friday, February 14, 2026.
The players
Joey Spallina
A sophomore attackman for Syracuse who led all players with 4 unassisted goals, including the deciding score in the victory over Maryland.
Wyatt Hottle
A junior midfielder for Syracuse who contributed 2 goals and an assist in the win over the Terrapins.
Gary Gait
The head coach of the Syracuse men's lacrosse team, who earned his biggest regular season win against a top-ranked opponent.
John Tillman
The head coach of the Maryland men's lacrosse team, whose Terrapins fell to Syracuse in this highly anticipated matchup.
Billy Dwan III
The Syracuse defender tasked with containing Maryland's Eric Spanos, holding the Terps' star to just 4 shots.
What they’re saying
“When plays break down, you can't really script those things. In the unsettled [Syracuse] are great skills.”
— John Tillman, Maryland Head Coach
“[Syracuse] came to gameday today, prepared, ready to execute and against a Maryland team known for out executing, pretty much everybody.”
— Gary Gait, Syracuse Head Coach
What’s next
The win over Maryland propels Syracuse to the top of the national rankings, setting up a potential showdown between the new No. 1 Orange and the previous No. 1 Terrapins later in the season.
The takeaway
This victory demonstrates that Syracuse has emerged as a true national title contender, capable of knocking off the perennial powerhouse Maryland program. The Orange's stifling defense and Spallina's individual brilliance proved to be the difference in this marquee matchup.
