After a 20-goal performance in game one, No. 9 @CuseMLAX continued its offensive tear against @ColgateMLax, 18-10. @IanNicholasTV and @Austin_Barach had the call for the second straight win of the season. pic.twitter.com/JpSGLyZFEq
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) February 6, 2024
With 3:18 remaining in the third quarter, Syracuse attacker Joey Spallina rippled the net for his fourth goal of the game. The sophomore tied a career-high nine points, and No. 9 Syracuse (2-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) rolled past Colgate (1-1, 0-0 Patriot League) 18-10.
The point contributions did not end at Spallina. After striking the goal once against Vermont, redshirt junior Owen Hiltz put up a hat trick and assisted his teammates three times.
With the flurry of goals amounting in the first and third quarters for the Orange, the Raiders nearly executed a comeback in the second quarter. Colgate hit Syracuse twice with unanswered goals, bringing the lead as close to 8-6. The most significant threat for the Raiders came from attacker Rory Connor, who tallied a season-high five points.
With Colgate possibly flirting with another upset victory after knocking off number four Penn State on Saturday, Syracuse head coach Gary Gait had a simple message for his group at halftime.
“The message at halftime was to settle down and take care of the ball.” Gait on where things went awry in the second quarter. “We got too caught up in our emotions,” Gate said.
The Orange settled in nicely in the second half, outscoring the Raiders 9-4. While the goals led SU to its second straight victory, the most impressive aspect of the game came at the faceoff X.
Syracuse dominated the faceoff spot, out dueling Colgate 24-7. Spearing the domination was Tufts transfer Mason Kohn. The fifth-year player won 17 of the 22 faceoffs he participated in. Teammate Joey Spallina feels that having Kohn as the FOGO is a welcome relief.
“When they scored, we knew we were going to be able to get the ball back,” Spallian said.
Coach Gait echoed a similar message towards Kohn, especially given that the transfer did not partake in the preseason.
“Kohn has not had a year of fall ball. He never played in the fall. He’s done the work on his own,” Gait said.
Syracuse can continue the faceoff domination in the Dome on Friday against Manhattan (0-0, 0-0 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). The contest is the season opener for the Jaspers. WAER’s coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to faceoff.