It was the sixth time the Syracuse university Men's Lacrosse team would find itself in a one-goal game this season. But unlike four of the previous five, SU didn't find a way to pull it out at the end. Virginia downed the Orange 11-10 Friday Night in a game that could have implications on where - or if - the team plays in the NCAA championships.
SU v. Colgate May 5th Pregame @ 1:30, Game at 2:00 on WAER 88.3 FM
Twelfth Syracuse came into the tournament with a 4-0 record against Atlantic Coast Conference teams this year. But the overall 7-6 record after this loss, might allow teams such as UVA (11-4 overall) to be more attractive for a post-season berth.
The Orange got off to a good start in this one, leading 4-3 after one period. But a scoreless second frame had SU trailing 5-4 going into halftime. Coach John Desko credits UVA with shutting down the orange offense for more than 15:00 minutes.
"I thought they played good defense. Winning the faceoffs, getting good possessions always helps your defense. They can adjust and be rested at their end of the field, while the offense has the ball. I don’t know how many saves the goalie had but I thought we shot low too much today. In the second half we shot high on him and we had better success.”
They faced a two-goal deficit heading into the 4th quarter. Twice SU goals pulled the Orange with in one. Stephen Rehfuss made it 10-9, but with less than 2:00 minutes to play, UVA jumped back up by 2. Seth DeLisle won the ensuing faceoff and scored, once again making it a one-goal margin at 11-10. A final scoring attempt to tie, in the last 24 seconds never came about.
Sophomore Attack Stephen Rehfuss says some turnovers by Virginia late in the game could have changed the outcome.
"I definitely think we could have capitalized on some opportunities, I think our defense was doing a great job putting a bunch of pressure on them, forcing turnovers. Definitely wish we could get a couple (chances) back.”
Rehfuss led the effort with 2 goals and 1 assist; Tucker Dordevic tallied 2 goals; and Pat Carlin had a goal and an assist. Faceoffs proved to be the telling stat, with Virginia holding the edge 18-7.
The Orange has one more contest in the regular season to make a statement to the NCAA before tournament selections. That game against Colgate takes place Sunday, May 5th at 2:00, with WAER's Countdown to Faceoff at 1:30.
