In the most thrilling Twitter poll of Nike / US Lacrosse Magazine Virtual NCAA Tournament — men’s polls included — the Syracuse women narrowly triumphed over Notre Dame and earned the virtual NCAA title.

Seeded fifth in the virtual tournament, Syracuse topped Princeton, Stony Brook and North Carolina en route to the championship game. Although the Orange lost to Stony Brook in the second game of the 2020 season, they began to get on a roll before the season’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 5 Syracuse
Fan Vote: Syracuse (52.1%)
USLM Vote: Split
Winner: Syracuse

The competition was fierce against Notre Dame, with constant lead changes over the course of the three-day voting period. Athletes from both teams got involved in the playful, good-spirited fun.

Syracuse was 7-1 when the season abruptly ended. It had established itself as a real-life championship contender after the loss to Stony Brook, winning six straight — including a 16-11 win over an offensive powerhouse in Northwestern.

Indeed, it was the Syracuse defense that excelled, leading the nation by allowing just seven goals per game. The offense, led by a likely Tewaaraton finalist in Emily Hawryschuk, was ranked eighth nationally.

Hawryschuk and goalkeeper Asa Goldstock both announced that they will return for one last shot at a title in 2021, so Gary Gait’s squad certainly has the talent in place to make a real run at Championship Weekend.

The title is virtual for now, but the Orange are primed for future on-field triumphs.