After a 20-7 trouncing of UAlbany, Syracuse men’s lacrosse (2-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) aims to improve to 3-0 against Holy Cross (0-2, 0-0 Patriot League) today. The Orange seek to go undefeated in their initial three games for the first time since the 2020 season.
In their opener last year, the Orange stomped the Crusaders 28-5, registering the program’s highest scoring total since 1994. Four SU players – Owen Seebold, Tucker Dordevic, Brendan Curry and Mikey Berkman – mustered at least three goals for the Orange.
“I'm very happy this team showed up and did what we asked, which was to purely play as a team with relentless effort,” head coach Gary Gait said following the blowout. “They never stopped. They gave it everything they had, had great energy and gave us a great win to start the season.”
Like last season’s game against the Crusaders, Syracuse's win over UAlbany saw the Orange have a plethora of players find the back of the net multiple times. Freshman Joey Spallina, who scored only once against Vermont, led the way with a game-high five goals.
“I just took a deep breath and got myself together,” Spallina said. “I was getting the same spots as I was last week, I just got them in this time.”
Owen Hiltz (three goals), Jackson Birtwhistle (three), Carter Rice (two) and Cole Kirst (two) also scored on multiple occasions. Meanwhile, Denver transfer Alex Simmons recorded a team-leading four assists.
“I thought it was a much better overall effort from our team top to bottom,” Gait said following the game. “There were guys all over the score sheet making plays.”
Defensively, Syracuse goalkeeper Will Mark remained stout with 14 saves on 42 shots. The LIU transfer has recorded an impressive 27 stops throughout his first two starts with the Orange.
“I think Will is playing outstanding right now,” Spallina said of his teammate. “I think it gives us confidence, knowing that if we mess up (the defense) will have our backs.”
In its last game, Holy Cross fell to Merrimack 14-9. The Crusaders found themselves on the wrong end of a 9-2 scoring run, which propelled
the Warriors to victory despite starting the second half down two. Providence also took down the Crusaders 12-9.
Holy Cross is led on offense by attackman Thomas McIntire. A senior, he scored a team-high four goals against Merrimack. The Massachusetts native has also found the net in seven straight games dating back to last season.
On the defensive side, freshman Michael Rincon guides the way with eight ground balls and four forced turnovers in his first two games. The Oregon native is the reigning Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week.
Faceoff is scheduled for 1 p.m on Sunday. WAER’s coverage begins at 12:30 p.m. with McClurg Team Countdown to Faceoff.