Morgan Widner left Syracuse’s matchup with Albany in the first half with an apparent right-knee injury. With SU leading 9-2, the sophomore fought for a draw on the 30-yard line across from Albany’s sideline before she fell down and held her knee.

The referees stopped play and allowed two Orange trainers to tend to Widner on the field. After a few minutes, she was helped off the turf and wasn’t putting pressure on her right leg. She sat behind the Orange bench and continued to receive treatment. As the Orange went into the half with a 11-2 lead, Widner proceeded to the locker room on crutches. She re-emerged before the second half with her right knee heavily wrapped.

SU head coach Gary Gait couldn’t provide details on the injury after the game.

“I haven’t checked on Morgan,” Gait said. “I’m sure she’ll be seen, and we’ll find out.

“She hurt herself. We’ll see what the results are when we get them.”

The draw control specialist has had an uncharacteristic start to the 2018 season. She’s recorded just four draw controls in limited playing time through three games. Widner has shared duties at the faceoff X with junior Julie Cross.  Gait said two weeks ago that the two would share draw control opportunities based on matchups.

This past summer, the NCAA announced a new draw control rule that limits three players from each team to fight for the draw. Gait said that this past week, draws will be “50-50” as each team adjusts to the new rule.

Widner had a standout year as a freshman in 2017, starting every game. She ranked seventh in the nation in draw controls per game (7.09). She totaled 156 draws, the third-most in a single-season by any SU player, and set the program record for a freshman. Widner finished the year as an Inside Lacrosse All-American Honorable mention.

Cross took the remainder of the draws after Widner left the game and won four of Syracuse’s 14 draws in the eventual 19-12 win. Albany finished with 19 draws.

Widner was seen exiting the Carrier Dome on crutches with her knee wrapped. The Daily Orange will update this story as more details become available.

“To see one of our players go down like that,” sophomore defender Kerry Defliese said, “it’s heartbreaking. We hope she gets better.”

Published on February 22, 2018 at 8:55 pm

Contact Nick: [email protected] | @nick_a_alvarez