A record-tying four-goal performance by junior forward Emma Russell launched No. 6 Syracuse (14-4, 2-4 Atlantic Coast) into the semifinals of the ACC tournament with a 5-2 win over No. 9 Boston College (13-6, 3-4) on Thursday night.

In front of a crowd of 169 in Jack Katz Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, Russell tied the SU program record for most goals in a single game. She also had the assist on forward Kati Nearhouse’s late goal, the only score for SU that wasn’t off her stick.

Russell got started her scoring frenzy early in the match, netting her first goal only 30 seconds into the first half. Freshman midfielder Laura Hurff relayed a pass to Russell as she entered the inside circle and Russell converted the opening opportunity.

But the Eagles responded quick when junior forward Kelcie Hrominsin found the back of the net on a penalty corner in the fifth minute of play to knot the score at one.

Two goals in less than five minutes would then be followed by more than 27 minutes of scoreless hockey until Russell collected her second goal on a shot from 10 yards out with three-and-a-half minutes left in the first half.

Boston College stole the momentum right back just 90 seconds into the second half. Hrominsin managed to provide the equalizer on a shot right past SU goalie Jess Jecko to once again even things at 2-2.

Russel took the reins of the game from there, scoring twice more in the final 11:54 of action, once on an empty net.

Syracuse got its revenge on Boston College, which beat the Orange 3-2 in overtime at J.S. Coyne Stadium on Sept. 20.

SU now turns its sights on No. 1 North Carolina (17-2, 4-2). The last the squads squared off, the Tar Heels took down Syracuse 3-0 on Sept. 19.

The ball is set to be dropped at 3:30 pm on Friday and can be streamed on ESPN3.

compiled by Connor Grossman, staff writer, cgrossma@syr.edu 

Published on November 6, 2014 at 10:50 pm