Syracuse Women’s Basketball Dominates Defensively in Dome Win Against Wagner

Syracuse, NY — Despite losing the tip-off and earning their first points off a foul from the visiting Wagner Seahawks, the Syracuse Orange dominated Sunday afternoon’s non-conference matchup.

Dominique Darius shoots a three against Wagner on 11-16. Photo by Simon Johnstone

Putting on a show for the crowd and winning 78 to 29, Syracuse won by their highest margin since their 2016 Coppin State win (109-60). Ending the first quarter 22-4, the Orange defense was on display, led by graduate student Dominique Darius. 

Darius has proven to be a strong leader for the Orange on and off the court. Coach Felisha Legette-Jack attributed the fast turnaround from the bumps during the first couple of minutes to Darius, saying she was able to push the team’s energy and get them back on track. 

The Orange defense weakened in the second half, where they allowed a game-high of 13 points. Redshirt senior Priscilla Varela led the effort for the Seahawks, earning five of those points despite playing under five minutes. 

In the third quarter, the Orange decided to repeat their first quarter, going 22-4 once again. Continuing the tough defense from both teams, the Seahawks committed five fouls, where the Orange were able to translate 71.4% from the line. 

Coach Felisha Legette-Jack played out her full bench, with each player earning at least eight minutes. While Coach Jack doesn’t believe her team is quite at their best defensively, she’s optimistic about the team chemistry and their ability to work together through the rest of the season. She trusts her team leaders to bring the defensive play to a new high, and once again boasts Dominique Darius as one of these star leaders on the defense. 

Dominue Darius on defense against Wagner on 11-16. Photo by Simon Johnstone

The crowd was excited to welcome sophomore Olivia Schmitt back to the court after she was out for the first three games with a minor leg injury. Despite not being able to fully practice for the last month and a half, Schmitt earned 6 points in her 9 minutes. 

Another standout was Laila Phelia, the highly anticipated senior transfer from Texas, who earned 15 points for the Orange and shot 100% from the line, the paint, and the field. As another captain for the team, Phelia has already put up 37 total points and has cemented her place in the team. 

Laila Phelia shooting at the line in the non-conference challenge against Wagner on 11-16. Photo by Simon Johnstone

Syracuse is back at the dome, facing Howard on November 30th, their first matchup with the Bison since 2015.