STONY BROOK, N.Y. -- Syracuse's quest for its first national championship officially began on Thursday when it took the field in Stony Brook in preparation for its NCAA Championship semifinals matchup against No. 1 Florida. The Orange was the first team to practice at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on Thursday morning.

Syracuse practiced on campus on Wednesday before taking the five-hour bus trip to Stony Brook, N.Y. On Thursday,SU ran through drills for 90 minutes before meeting with members of the media.

Thirteen members of the Orange were also part of the 2010 squad that advanced to the national semifinals. It's an accomplishment that the upperclassmen don't take for granted.

"It's exciting," said senior co-captain Sarah Holden. "Getting a taste of this during our sophomore season and coming up short, we're all excited to be back here. We definitely know we can get a win (on Friday) if we go out there and play our game."

While Syracuse has many veterans, several newcomers will be making their first appearance in the Final Four.

"I think the only advice to give right now is don't be content with getting here," senior co-captain Jill Cammett said. "I think we can go all the way this year. We just have to play our game."

Syracuse and Florida will face each other in the first semifinal on Friday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m. The game will be shown live on ESPN3.

**Courtesy SU Athletics**