Syracuse Slams Siena 21-7 in Season Opener

Story & Photo by Robin Deehan

 

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The fourth ranked Syracuse men’s lacrosse team dominated Siena 21-7 in its season opener Saturday afternoon at the Carrier Dome.

In the fourth meeting since 2009 between the two teams, the Orange (1-0) put on a prolific offensive showing with 13 different Orange men finding the back of the cage.

“Anytime you win a game it’s a good game,” head coach John Desko said. “And tonight to be back in the Carrier Dome the guys were excited to play, I think we went against a pretty good Siena team.”

Success at the X

The Orange’s offensive dominance can be attributed to Ben Williams’ stellar play on the face-off. 

The Orange won 25 of 30 face-offs with Williams picking up 17 of the 20 that he took.

“I was just getting on the ball to bring it out to the front, then trying to pick up the ground ball to get it to my teammates as quick as I could,” Williams said.

Control of the face-off allowed SU more opportunities to maintain possession and set up scoring plays.

“I remember coming off the sideline in the fourth quarter and looking up and it was 23 to 5 face-offs, I mean it doesn’t get much better than that,” senior attacker Kevin Rice said. “And I think you saw what our offense can do when we get that sort of possession, it’s exciting, and good job to Ben.”

Plenty of points

Rice led all players with six points on two goals and four assists and Hakeem Lecky put up five points on one goal and four assists.

Dylan Donahue found the back of the cage four times while Nicky Galasso recorded a hat trick.

JT Forkin and Ryan Simmons each netted a pair, both recording their first and second career goals.

To round out scoring for SU, Williams, Randy Staats, Tim Barber, Henry Schoonmaker, Joe Gillis, Nick Weston and Derek DeJoe each scored one.

Siena’s standout Richie Hurley proved why he was named 2014 MAAC offensive player of the year by recording fives points on two goals and three assists.

Orange goalkeepers Bobby Wardwell and Warren Hill combined for eight saves while Siena’s Nick Capalbo and Tommy Cordts combined for 13.

Big Red next
 

Up next for the Orange is a battle with Central New York foe Cornell on Sunday, February 15 at 4 p.m.

The game will mark the 100^th meeting between the two teams, SU leads the series 63-35-1.