The Powerhouse Conference Championship was nothing short of spectacular, and anyone who attended or viewed the event got their expectations blown out of the water. Syracuse came into the game No. 4, while Notre Dame sat No. 9.
Randy Staats was on fire for the Orange, scoring five goals and maintaining an intimidating offensive presence all game. Kevin Rice, Hakeen Lecky, Dylan Donahue, Scott Loy, Billy Ward, Nicky Galasso and Derek Maltz all contributed to the offensive efforts for Syracuse.
Kevin Rice accumulated six assists. He plays with a high lacrosse IQ and understands how to work within their offensive formations, recognizes his body placement and movements productively, and acknowledges when a defender is leaving him space. He is an expert feeder, placing the ball wherever it needs to be, and is a constant threat for any defense playing against him. Today was easily a showcase for him.
Goaltender Bobby Wardwell played 45 excruciating minutes for Syracuse. There were 14 goals allowed and only four saves. The majority of shots made were high corners, easier saves for goalies than dropping low. He was shying away rather than stepping towards. For the fourth quarter, #50 Dominic Lamolinara finished out the cage responsibilities, only allowing one goal but having two very crucial saves.
Notre Dame had their own offensive cannons unloading on Wardwell and Lamolinara.
Jim Marlatt scored three and Matt Kavanagh scored four. Then, Sergio Perkovic and Conor Doyle each secured two. To add to this display, Westy Hopkins, Eddy Lubowicki, Nick Ossello and Jack Near each tacked one into the back of the cage.
Out of 15 Irish goals, only eight were assisted; the rest were individual efforts and opportunities on fast breaks.
Conor Kelly was stellar in the crease making nine saves, the final one clutch at 2.6 seconds left in the game when the Orange attempted to tie it up. That save would secure the ‘W’ for the Irish.
Officiating was done quite well and accurately. Refs called five penalties: three holdings, one pushing from behind, one slash. Otherwise, they let the players play out the game. Both teams stayed mobile and attacked the cage, and the officials only made calls when they were blatant with nothing to gain.
The Irish upset the Orange 15-14 and will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. As always, both teams sported wicked gear, as well.
