BALTIMORE – Playing the program's first game in 350 days, Loyola University Maryland opened up its 2021 campaign with a tough 18-6 defeat to No. 3 Syracuse at Ridley Athletic Complex on Saturday.

Sam Fiedler registered her 15th career hat trick after totaling three goals for the Greyhounds, who suffered their first setback since the 2019 NCAA tournament. Catie Corolla added her first collegiate goal, while Livy Rosenzweig managed a pair of assists for the home side.

Emily Hawryschuk and Sam Swart led the Syracuse offense with four goals apiece. Megan Carney registered six points (3 G, 3 A) and Meaghan Tyrrell finished with three goals and two assists.

The teams were tied at 1-1 through the first eight and a half minutes, with Syracuse's Sierra Cockerille opening the scoring and Fiedler leveling with 21:48 left in the opening half. Hawryschuk responded 20 seconds after Fiedler's equalizer, beginning a 7-2 run for the visitors to end the frame.

Syracuse continued to expand its lead after the break, scoring the first five goals of the second half to take a commanding 13-3 advantage.

Jillian Wilson and Elli Kluegel rounded out the scoring for Loyola. Kluegel picked up three ground balls, Rosenzweig won seven of the Greyhounds' 13 draw controls, and Shay Clevenger and Meaghan Quinn each caused a pair of turnovers.

Fiedler has now recorded at least one point in 41-consecutive games, and she has scored a goal in 39 straight. Corolla's first collegiate strike came with 14:53 remaining in regulation.

Syracuse had a 33-14 advantage in shots and an 18-8 edge in ground balls.

Loyola will look to move forward on Wednesday night, when the Greyhounds travel to Towson for a non-conference matchup beginning at 5 p.m.