A shortened — yet perfect — 2020 season has the Syracuse men back on top of the college lacrosse world.

The Orange were No. 1 in the last Nike / US Lacrosse Division I Men’s Top 20 before COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the remainder of the season, and although Syracuse didn’t have a chance to win its first national championship since 2009, the Orange showed out in the Nike / US Lacrosse Magazine Virtual NCAA Tournament.

Up against No. 6 Virginia in the virtual NCAA championship game, top-seeded Syracuse decisively won the fan vote en route to earning the virtual title.

No. 1 Syracuse vs. No. 6 Virginia
Fan Vote: Syracuse (68.4%)
USLM Vote: Split
Winner: Syracuse

Syracuse defeated Marist, North Carolina and Penn State to earn its bid into the virtual championship game.

Led by arguably the top midfield in the nation, the Orange went 5-0. Their highlight win — a 9-7 triumph over then-No. 7 Army — garnered national attention for a team that brought in a highly touted transfer in Chase Scanlan but had scuffled in recent seasons. Syracuse’s offense ranked sixth nationally, and its defense was tied for 11th nationally. The Orange were also fifth in faceoff winning percentage.

With its entire starting midfield and nearly its entire starting lineup returning in 2021, perhaps Syracuse can make to the real-life championship game. For now, the Orange are the men’s national champion in the Nike / US Lacrosse Magazine Virtual NCAA Tournament.