This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed.
AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Syracuse and LeMoyne need to schedule more games against each other
SYRACUSE, NY - JANUARY 15: Syracuse Orange Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack coaches her players at the end of the second overtime period of the Women's College Basketball game between the California Golden Bears and the Syracuse Orange on January 15, 2026, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The last two weeks have brought some interesting news that tie the two Division I schools in Syracuse together. First we learned that Syracuse women’s basketball will play a “road” game at LeMoyne this season, which was followed by Orange legend Casey Powell being named the new men’s lacrosse Head Coach for the Dolphins.
While we don’t expect the Syracuse men to make the short trip east to play a road game on Syracuse/Dewitt border, LeMoyne women’s HC Nick DiPillo told Syracuse.com that he’s grateful to Felisha Legette-Jack for being willing to give the Dolphins a home game.
“You have two Division I teams in the same city, it’s crazy not to play in every sport,” DiPillo said. “She was gracious enough to, I threw it out there, that it would be great to play at our place, and she was gracious enough to do it. I think it speaks volumes to her willingness to grow basketball in the area.”
Now, about that first line in the quote….DiPillo is correct that the two schools should find a way to schedule each other in every sport. Since LeMoyne elevated their athletics program to Division I, the schools have played in three sports: men’s basketball, men’s soccer and softball.
It’s time for Syracuse mayor (and Orange alum) Sharon Owens to push the two D1 schools in the Salt City to commit to an annual competition for bragging rights. Certainly a Syracuse company would be willing to kick in and sponsor The OrangeDolphin Cup ™️.
You might think that it wouldn’t be competitive, but the Dolphins took the inagural Salt City Derby back in 2024 and now Ian McIntyre’s group will be looking to get some revenge this Fall. The schools will play a Friday night game which will certainly lead to a more raucous environment than most non-conference games.
With Powell taking over at LeMoyne, it would certainly be a more entertaining early season game for Gary Gait to welcome another #22 back to the Dome. As we talk about ways to generate more attendance, this would certainly have a bit more juice than playing St. Joseph’s or Manhattan.
Hopefully the momentum will keep growing and we’ll get a fun non-conference rivalry with our Salt City neighbors.
SyracuseLeMoyneSyracuse Orange Head Coach Felisha LegetteJackWomenCollege BasketballCalifornia Golden BearsSyracuse OrangeJMA Wireless DomePhotoGregory FisherIcon Sportswire
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.
