Who is Alyssa Murray and what are her notable achievements in women’s lacrosse. How did she contribute to Syracuse University’s lacrosse program. What records did Alyssa Murray set during her collegiate career.
Alyssa Murray’s Record-Breaking Career at Syracuse
Alyssa Murray’s name is etched in the annals of Syracuse University’s women’s lacrosse history. Her impressive career statistics speak volumes about her exceptional skills and contributions to the team. Murray finished her collegiate career as the second-highest scorer in school history, amassing an astounding 362 points. This remarkable achievement places her among the elite players to have ever donned the Orange jersey.
Breaking down her scoring prowess further, Murray ranks third in both career goals (225) and assists (136). These numbers highlight her versatility as an attacker, capable of both finishing plays and creating opportunities for her teammates. Her ability to consistently find the back of the net while also facilitating her team’s offense made her a formidable opponent for any defense.
Single-Season Brilliance
While her career numbers are impressive, Murray’s single-season performances were equally noteworthy. In 2014, her senior year, she recorded 110 points, securing the fourth spot in Syracuse’s record books for most points in a single season. This achievement underscores her ability to elevate her game when it mattered most, leaving an indelible mark on the program in her final year.
Accolades and Recognition: A Testament to Murray’s Excellence
Throughout her time at Syracuse, Alyssa Murray’s exceptional play did not go unnoticed. She garnered numerous accolades and recognition, cementing her status as one of the premier players in collegiate women’s lacrosse.
- Two-time Tewaaraton Award finalist (2013, 2014)
- IWLCA All-America First Team honoree
- All-Northeast Region First Team selection
- All-ACC First Team
- ACC All-Tournament team
- NCAA All-Tournament Team
- 2014 ‘Cuse Awards Female Athlete of the Year
These honors reflect not only Murray’s individual brilliance but also her significant contributions to the team’s success on both the conference and national stages.
Murray’s Impact on Syracuse Lacrosse History
Alyssa Murray’s career at Syracuse was marked by several historic achievements that set her apart from her peers and predecessors.
Unprecedented Scoring Consistency
Murray became the first player in Syracuse history to record 100 or more points three times in her career. This remarkable consistency demonstrates her ability to perform at an elite level year after year, adapting to changing team dynamics and opposing defensive strategies.
Joining an Exclusive Club
By the end of her senior year, Murray had joined an exclusive club as only the second player in school history to record 300 points, 200 goals, and 100 assists in her career. This balanced production across all offensive categories highlights her well-rounded skill set and her importance to the Syracuse attack.
Murray’s Clutch Performances in NCAA Tournament Play
When the stakes were highest, Alyssa Murray elevated her game to new heights. Her performances in NCAA Tournament play were particularly noteworthy, as she recorded more points (49) and goals (33) than any other Syracuse player in the history of the program’s tournament appearances.
These statistics underscore Murray’s ability to perform under pressure and her crucial role in Syracuse’s postseason successes. Her contributions were instrumental in helping the team navigate the challenging waters of tournament play, often against the nation’s top programs.
Senior Year Highlights: A Season to Remember
Alyssa Murray’s senior year in 2014 was a tour de force, filled with standout performances that showcased her skills and leadership on the field.
Dominant Offensive Displays
- 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists) against Jacksonville
- 6 points (2 goals, 4 assists) against Canisius
- 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) against Duke
- 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) against Loyola
Clutch Performances in Big Games
Murray’s ability to rise to the occasion in crucial matches was evident throughout her senior campaign:
- 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists) against Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament
- 9 points (6 goals, 3 assists) against Virginia in the NCAA semifinals
- 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) against Maryland in the national championship game
These performances not only padded her impressive statistical totals but also played a crucial role in Syracuse’s success in high-stakes situations.
Murray’s All-Around Game: More Than Just Scoring
While Alyssa Murray’s offensive prowess is well-documented, her contributions extended beyond just putting the ball in the net. Throughout her senior season, she consistently impacted the game in multiple facets:
- Ground balls: Regularly collected multiple ground balls per game, showing her hustle and commitment to gaining possession
- Draw controls: Won draw controls in several games, helping Syracuse gain crucial possessions
- Caused turnovers: Demonstrated her defensive skills by causing turnovers, including three in a single game against Loyola
This all-around play underscores Murray’s value as a complete player, capable of influencing the game on both ends of the field.
Academic Excellence: Balancing Athletics and Academics
Alyssa Murray’s commitment to excellence extended beyond the lacrosse field. Her dedication to academic pursuits was evident in her inclusion on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for both the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 semesters. This achievement highlights Murray’s ability to balance the demands of being a high-level student-athlete, excelling both in competition and in the classroom.
The Importance of Academic Success
Murray’s academic achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring student-athletes, demonstrating that it is possible to pursue athletic excellence without compromising educational goals. Her success in both arenas reinforces the values of hard work, time management, and commitment to personal growth that are central to the student-athlete experience.
Junior Year Success: Setting the Stage for a Memorable Senior Campaign
Alyssa Murray’s junior year laid the foundation for her record-breaking senior season, establishing her as one of the premier attackers in collegiate lacrosse.
Conference and Regional Recognition
- Named BIG EAST Attack Player of the Year
- All-Northeast Region First Team selection
- Named to the All-BIG EAST First Team
- All-Tournament Team selection
Climbing the Syracuse Record Books
By the end of her junior year, Murray had already cemented her place in Syracuse lacrosse history:
- Ranked fifth on Syracuse’s career goals list with 142 goals
- Ranked fifth on the all-time scoring list with 236 points
- Tied for third on Syracuse’s all-time assists list with 85 assists
Standout Performances
Murray’s junior year was marked by several exceptional games that showcased her offensive prowess:
- 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists) against Connecticut
- 7 points (5 goals, 2 assists) against Villanova
- 7 points (5 goals, 2 assists) against Louisville
- 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) against Loyola
These performances highlighted Murray’s ability to take over games and drive Syracuse’s offensive success.
The Legacy of Alyssa Murray at Syracuse
Alyssa Murray’s impact on the Syracuse women’s lacrosse program extends far beyond her impressive statistics and individual accolades. Her consistent excellence, leadership, and all-around contributions helped elevate the program to new heights during her tenure.
Setting the Standard for Future Generations
Murray’s achievements set a new benchmark for Syracuse attackers, inspiring future players to strive for similar levels of excellence. Her ability to excel in multiple facets of the game – scoring, assisting, and contributing to team success in high-pressure situations – provides a template for what it means to be a complete lacrosse player at the collegiate level.
Impact on Team Success
Throughout her career, Murray’s individual brilliance translated directly to team success. Her contributions were instrumental in Syracuse’s strong performances in both conference play and NCAA tournaments. The team’s ability to compete at the highest level, including reaching the national championship game in her senior year, was in no small part due to Murray’s leadership and on-field excellence.
Representation in Record Books
Alyssa Murray’s name is prominently featured throughout the Syracuse lacrosse record books, a testament to her sustained excellence over four years. Future generations of Syracuse players will measure their success against the high bar set by Murray, ensuring that her legacy continues to influence the program for years to come.
Conclusion: Alyssa Murray’s Enduring Impact on Women’s Lacrosse
Alyssa Murray’s career at Syracuse University stands as a shining example of athletic excellence, leadership, and dedication. Her numerous records, accolades, and memorable performances have firmly established her as one of the greatest players in Syracuse women’s lacrosse history.
Murray’s impact extended beyond individual achievements, playing a crucial role in elevating the Syracuse program to national prominence. Her ability to perform at the highest level in the most pressure-packed situations set her apart and inspired her teammates to reach new heights.
As future generations of lacrosse players don the Orange jersey, Alyssa Murray’s legacy will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and a benchmark for excellence. Her contributions to Syracuse lacrosse have left an indelible mark on the program, ensuring that her name will be remembered and revered for years to come in the world of collegiate women’s lacrosse.
Alyssa Murray – Women’s Lacrosse
Notables: Second on school’s all-time scoring list (362 pts.) … Third in career goals (225) and assists (136) … Fourth in single season points (2014 – 110 pts.)
Senior Year: Tewaaraton Award finalist for the second consecutive year … IWLCA All-America First Team honoree … All-Northeast Region First Team selection … Voted to the All-ACC First Team as well as the ACC All-Tournament team … Member of the NCAA All-Tournament Team … 2014 ‘Cuse Awards Female Athlete of the Year … First player in school history to record 100 or more points in three times in her career … Second player in school history to record 300 points, 200 goals and 100 assists in her career … Recorded more points (49) and goals (33) than any other Syracuse player in NCAA Tournament play … Notched seven points (4g, 3a), one ground ball and a caused turnover against Jacksonville … Recorded five points (4g, 1a), a ground ball and a draw control against Stetson . .. Moved into a tie for fourth place on the school’s all-time goals scored list (171) with six points (2g, 4a) against Canisius … Picked up a pair of goals, ground balls and draw controls, as well as an assist against Virginia … Scored three goals against Boston College … Registered five points (1g, 4a) and two ground balls against Towson … Scored two goals, picked up a ground ball and won two draw controls versus Maryland … Notched three points (2g, 1a) and won two draw controls against Florida … Recorded five points (2g, 3a), picked up a ground ball, caused two turnovers and won three draw controls against Harvard … Tallied three points (1g, 2a) and a draw control against Northwestern … Collected seven points (3g, 4a) and a draw control against Duke …Recorded a trio of goals, an assist, two ground balls, a caused turnover and a draw control against Albany … Scored five goals and collected three ground balls against Virginia Tech … Tied her season high with four assists to go along with one goal against No. 1 North Carolina … Scored a pair of goals at Cornell … Recorded five points (3g, 2a) and a draw control at Notre Dame … Scored a team-high five goals and dished out one assist against Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament … Had a goal, two assists, two draw controls and a ground ball against North Carolina in the conference tournament … Had six points (4g, 2a) on Syracuse’s first six goals against Loyola … Netted back-to-back goals to spark the Orange’s comeback against the Greyhounds … Finished with eight points (4g, 4a) and three caused turnovers against Loyola … Posted a team-high four goals to go along with two assists against Stony Brook … Also had two caused turnovers, two ground balls and a draw control against the Seawolves … Recorded a goal and two assists against Boston College in the NCAA quarterfinals … Also had two caused turnovers and a ground ball against the Eagles … Tallied six goals and three assists against Virginia in the NCAA semifinals … Posted three goals and an assists against Maryland in the national championship game . .. Was a member of the Fall 2013 and the Sping 2014 Athletic Directors Honor Roll.
Junior Year: Named BIG EAST Attack Player of the Year … All-Northeast Region First Team selection … Named to the All-BIG EAST First Team … All-Tournament Team selection … Ranks fifth on Syracuse’s career goals list and all-time scoring list with 142 goals and 236 points … Tied for third on Syracuse’s all-time assists list with 85 assists … Recorded five points, three ground balls and one caused turnover against Jacksonville … Registered four goals (3g, 1a), two ground balls and a draw control against Maryland … Notched three draw controls, a caused turnover and a team-high four goals against Virginia … Tallied four points (2g, 2a) against Florida … Picked up an assist, a caused turnover and two ground balls against Towson … Posted eight points (5g, 3a), two draw controls and a ground ball against Connecticut … Tallied five points (2g, 3a) and a ground ball against Boston College . .. Recorded five goals and three draw controls against Northwestern … Notched seven points (5g, 2a), a ground ball, a caused turnover and a draw control against Villanova … Picked up a caused turnover against Rutgers … Registered seven points (5g, 2a), a ground ball, a draw control and a caused turnover against Louisville … Posted six points (3g, 3a) and a ground ball against Cincinnati … Recorded four points (3g, 1a), five ground balls and four caused turnovers against Cornell … Tallied five points (4g, 1a), two caused turnovers and a ground ball against Notre Dame … Picked up five points (1g, 4a), a ground ball and a caused turnover against Marquette … Notched eight points (3g, 5a) and a draw control against Loyola … Registered five points (3g, 2a), four ground balls, two draw controls and a caused turnover against Georgetown … Posted five points (3g, 2a), two draw controls and a ground ball against Connecticut … Recorded two goals and three ground balls against Georgetown.
Sophomore Year: Played in all 23 games, making 22 starts … Led the nation in points (105) and goals (74) … Ranked 10th in the nation in points per game (4.57) and 12th in goals per game (3.22) … IWLCA All-America First Team selection … First-team All-Northeast Region honoree … Unanimous selection to the All-BIG EAST First Team … Named to the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team … Also named to the WomensLax.com and SynapseSports.com All-America First Team … 2012 ‘Cuse Awards Female Performance of the Year award winner … Posted career highs in points, goals, assists (31) and ground balls (15) … Set the single-game school record for goals in a game with eight against Boston College in the season opener … Named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week after recording five points (2g, 3a) against No. 9 Notre Dame and seven points (6g, 1a) against Rutgers … Three-time member of the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll … Recorded seven goals against Connecticut and Cincinnati and finished with eight points in both contests … Scored four or more goals in nine games and posted five or more points in 12 games … Finished with four points against Dartmouth, North Carolina and Florida in the NCAA Tournament … Led SU in scoring in the tournament with 13 points.
Freshman Year: Started every game for the Orange … Tied for the team lead in draw controls (32) … Ranked third on the team in scoring with 48 points (24 goals, 24 assists) … Matched a career-high of five points (one goal, four assists) and one draw control against Loyola in the Big East Tournament…Had three points (one goal, two assists) against Villanova … Tallied four points (two goals, two assists) against Loyola … Recorded three points (one goal, two assists) and four draw controls against Cornell … Scored two goals and had one assist against Cincinnati … Registered one goal and three ground balls against Louisville … Had four points (two goals, two assists) and three draw controls against Georgetown … Picked up a career-best four ground balls and had two goals against Connecticut … Tallied a pair of goals and two draw controls against Dartmouth … Scored two goals against Rutgers … Registered two assists against Northwestern … Recorded five points (three goals, two assists) . .. Registered a career-best four draw controls against Virginia … Recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in her collegiate debut in the season opener against Colgate … Registered three draw controls against the Raiders.
High School: 2009 US Lacrosse All-America honoree… Finished her high school career with 284 goals and 279 assists, a New York state record… Named All-Suffolk County four times… Two-time Newsday All-Long Island Team honoree… Served as team captain in 2009 and 2010… Also a member of the basketball team… Member of the National Honor Society.
Personal: Born in March 1992… Daughter of Ray and Lisa Murray… One sister… Father, Ray, played lacrosse at Adelphi University… Mother, Lisa, swam at the University of Connecticut … Majoring in child and family studies.
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ILWomen Committed Academy 2023: Day 1 Results & Standouts From More Than a Dozen DI Programs
Jun 26, 2023
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By Alyssa Murray Cometti, Matt Kinnear
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Inside LacrosseVerified
Tuesday June 27th, 2023 11:00am (Inside Lacrosse Photos: Jim Beaver)Day 1 of Committed Academy was full of meeting future teammates and competitive lacrosse. Six teams made up of players from 58 DI programs met to take part in an ILWomen run event hosted by Top of the Bay Sports at DE Turf in Frederica, DE. Teams were broken up into four different pools with two game each day.
Open in Who Shared
Wrong byline?
Virginia’s Julie Myers Steps Down After 28-Year Tenure as Head Coach
Jun 21, 2023
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By Emily Considine, Matt Kinnear, Alyssa Murray Cometti
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Inside LacrosseVerified
Wednesday June 21st, 2023 6:00pm (Photo Courtesy of Virginia Athletics)Julie Myers, the highly accomplished head coach of Virginia women’s lacrosse, has officially resigned from her position, announced in a press release Wednesday afternoon. Myers was at the helm of UVA’s program for the past 28 years, leading her teams to the postseason every year except for 2020 when NCAA spring championships were canceled due to the pandemic.
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Wrong byline?
Brown Announces Katrina Dowd as Bears’ New Head Coach
Jun 21, 2023
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By Emily Considine, Matt Kinnear, Alyssa Murray Cometti
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Inside LacrosseVerified
(Inside Lacrosse Photo: John Strohsacker)Brown University announced Katrina Dowd as its new head coach in a press release earlier today.