STOCKTON — The Pacific field hockey team began its first of three consecutive contests against opponents all ranked in the top 20, and Sunday’s contest against No. 5 Syracuse wasn’t the outcome coach Andy Smith anticipated.
The Orange (2-0) defeated the No. 25 Tigers 3-0 at the Pacific Field Hockey Turf. With multiple starters returning from its 16-5 team last season, Pacific (1-1) had yet to give up a goal in two exhibition games and Friday’s 4-0 shutout over Michigan State.
However, Syracuse, just two years removed from a national championship, had five of its top six scorers returning this year.