Syracuse was ranked 12th in the Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Yearbook preseason women’s lacrosse rankings. The Orange were the fourth of seven Atlantic Coast Conference teams ranked.

The Orange are coming off the first losing season in program history, finishing at 9-10, 1-6 in the ACC. Syracuse made the NCAA tournament but lost in the opening round to Princeton, 12-11.

SU returns three of its top four scorers from a year ago after graduating Riley Donahue. Emily Hawryschuk is back after leading the Orange with 53 goals a year ago. She’s joined in return by second- and third-leading goal scorers, Nicole Levy and Sam Swart. Second-leading assister, Molly Carter, returns for her sophomore year as well.

In goal, Syracuse returns its top two players from a year ago, Asa Goldstock and Hannah Van Middelem. Ella Simkins, who led the SU field players in ground balls, is back for her junior season.

The Orange also bring in two freshmen who were recently named to the U19 U.S. team: Megan Carney and Sarah Cooper. Carney, a Texas native, was named an Under Armour All-American a year ago after tallying 92 goals and 31 assists at McKinney (Texas) High School. Cooper was ranked the top defender in the freshman class by Inside Lacrosse.

Syracuse’s schedule has not yet been released.