Duo combines for 17 points as Orange wins its opener
By: Mike McCann
Superstars don’t grow on trees, and one game is certainly not enough to classify a player as a superstar. But Syracuse redshirt sophomore Dylan Donahue put forth a superstar effort on his way to eight goals (one assist) in No. 1 Syracuse’s 19-7 opening night win over Siena, in front of 2,015 people at the Carrier Dome Monday night.
"Dylan picked up where he left off last year," Syracuse head coach John Desko said."He, in particular did a great job tonight."
The last time a Syracuse player scored more than seven goals in a game was 1999 when Matt Cutia achieved the feat against Rutgers. At the time, Donahue was four years old.
"I don't think [it feels any different]," Donahue said of achieving the mark. "It was a pretty good team effort today, we've been working well all week together and it's been fun to play with everyone."
Donahue is capable of scoring in bunches. He had eight goals in last year’s NCAA tournament. The only difference was it took him four games to get those eight goals. These eight he got in three quarters.
Help
But Donahue was only one piece of the offense. Junior Attack Kevin Rice had eight assists in the game. You have to go back even farther for the last time an Orange player had that many "helpers" in a contest; the oldest of the Powell brothers Casey had eight assists against Loyola in May of 1997.
"It's nice for us to get the points, but most of the work was done by our middies," Rice said. "They were beating their guys, and forcing rotations...and that's what opens up Dylan and (me)."
Everyone on Syracuse pitched in to the team win. While Donahue scored his eight goals, no other Orange player had more than one. And while Rice had eight assists, only Randy Staats had more than one, with two.
Syracuse spread the wealth around all night. 13 different players had at least a point, and it's that balance that could help Syracuse succeed all year. Still it was Rice and Powell who seemed the most in sync.
"We were playing or working out together four or five times a week this summer," Rice said. "I think that definitely helps with our communication and just knowing each other's tendencies."
Situation in net?
Desko's decision as to who starts in goal for the Orange could be something to watch in the future. After playing the entire first, Dominic Lamolinara was lifted in the second half in favor of Bobby Wardwell. Redshirt freshman Evan Molloy finished the game in net.
After the game, Desko was quick to point out that Wardwell had been playing in the second half of the team's scrimmages, downplaying the notion that there is a "situation" in goal for the Orange. Lamolinara, who was in net for the National Championship run, did not see much of a problem, either.
"As long as we keep winning, that's all I care about," Lamolinara said. "Bob's really happy for me when I'm doing well, and same for him."
Back to basics
The game was the first one that counted since Syracuse lost to Duke in last year’s National Championship.
"It was great to be back in the Carrier Dome," Desko said. "I thought guys were ready to play right from the beginning."
The next opponent that the Orange will see is the same that topped Syracuse in last year's season opener: the Albany Great Danes.
"When you think of Albany, you think of that tremendous attack right off the bat," Desko said. "Possesions will be very important for us...we know they're special and they can really make things happen at their offensive end of the field."
Albany and Syracuse face off in rhe Dome next Sunday, with the game slated to start at 4:00 P.M.
Video Report: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WiYOgKPYxM
John Desko Press Conference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdhmaOp53nA
Donahue, Rice, and Lamolinara Press Conference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCR-52dK5s0
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