NCAA lacrosse gets off to a hot start in the month of March with the Syracuse Orange (1-1) playing host to the Virginia Cavaliers (4-0) this Friday.
The undefeated Cavs are currently ranked 6th heading into the contest and have been impressive in the young season. After beginning the year with an overtime victory over Drexel, Virginia has outscored their opponents 49-22 in their last three contests.
This offensive surge is thanks in large part to junior Mark Cockerton. Since sitting out Virginia’s first game due to suspension, the Ontario native has been on an absolute tear registering 17 goals in three games. Junior Nick O’Reilly and sophomore Owen Van Arsdale join Cockerton on the attack unit, accounting for 19 and 12 points in four games, respectively.
Senior Matt White has been playing with the first midfield unit that include junior Rob Emery and sophomore Ryan Tucker. The trio have combined for 26 total points thus far.
Freshman Dan Marino has been solid between the pipes for the Cavs, anchoring a starting defensive core that includes returning starters senior Harry Prevas and junior Scott McWilliams, along with sophomore Greg Danseglio.
Syracuse sits 18th going into Friday’s match-up. After being stunned in overtime by Albany in their season opener, the Orange bounced back with a 6-2 victory over Army.
Senior Jojo Marasco leads Cuse in scoring with 9 points. Although atop the scoring charts for Cuse, eight of Marasco’s nine points came in the loss to Albany, with the midfielder registering only a lone assist versus Army.
Sophomore attackman Kevin Rice has five points on the year, as does freshman attacker Dylan Donohue. The junior attack duo of Derek Maltz and Billy Ward have also seen starting time, netting two goals each.
Sophomore Bobby Wardwell has tented the twine for the Orange in both games, stopping 18 of 26 shots faced. Brian Megill leads the Orange defense, the senior has 4 ground balls and 6 caused turnovers on the season.
Face-off for Friday’s battle is set for 6 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.
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