3 Syracuse Grads Win Pro Women's Lacrosse Championship

Three former Syracuse University women's lacrosse stars just won a professional championship, proving that opportunities for female athletes are growing beyond college.

Emily Hawryschuk, Meg Carney, and Katie Goodale helped lead the New York Charging to an 18-11 victory over the California Palms in the WLL Championship Series finale Sunday in Springfield, Virginia. The trio brought their Syracuse training to the professional stage and dominated.

Hawryschuk was unstoppable in the championship game, scoring five goals and adding one assist. Across the five-game series, she racked up 19 total points, tying for second in the entire competition.

Carney matched her intensity with three goals and two assists in the finale. Her series totals of 12 goals and six assists showed consistent excellence throughout the championship run.

Goodale anchored the defensive effort, forcing a turnover and grabbing three ground balls in the final game. Over the series, she caused six turnovers and collected 10 ground balls, giving her team crucial possession changes.

The Ripple Effect

The Women's Lacrosse League represents something bigger than one championship. Just a few years ago, professional opportunities for women lacrosse players barely existed, forcing talented athletes to hang up their sticks after college.

Now these Syracuse graduates are proving that elite female athletes can build careers in their sport. They're inspiring young players who can now dream of playing professionally, not just collegiately.

Another Syracuse alum, Sam Swart, competed in the series for the Maryland Charm, further proving the university's impact on growing the professional women's game. These athletes are building a league that future generations can aspire to join.

The championship win shows that when opportunities exist, women athletes deliver exciting, competitive sports worth watching and supporting.