In the second annual Warrior Lacrosse Classic in East Hartford, Conn., Syracuse University won its third consecutive game with a blowout win over Rutgers University, 12-2.
With the win, Syracuse improves to 12-1(4-0), while Rutgers drops to 5-7, (0-3) following its sixth consecutive loss. Syracuse now owns a 39-8 lead in the all-time series between these two schools.
Similar to most of SU’s opponents, Rutgers attempted to slow down the game to keep the Orange off the board. The long and methodical offensive possessions worked for the Scarlet Knights – initially at least. RU scored first after Will Mangan put an end to a three minute possession with a goal.
However, after that, it was all Orange as they scored 11 straight goals. Junior Tommy Palasek had a career day and led the way for SU. He scored three goals to go along with three assists. Palasek was able to knife through the RU zone defense and either find a teammate or score.
“(I’m) just trying to play the role I’m supposed to,” Palasek said in a postgame television interview.
Palasek, a transfer from Johns Hopkins, was not the only Orange player that was having his way with the Rutgers defense. Sophomore midfielder JoJo Marasco played with energy throughout the game and displayed great vision with the ball. He finished the game with two goals and two assists. His hustle plays though, made just as big of an impact for SU as his goals did.
Senior midfielder Jovan Miller showed off his cannon by scoring twice, including one from deep. Collin Donahue, a junior attacker and transfer from Rutgers, also scored twice against his former team.
Overall, Syracuse outshot Rutgers 35-16, and the Orange’s defensive strength and brute force proved to be too much for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers’ attackers could not get into the teeth of the SU defense and therefore, had a hard time finding shots. Even when up a man, RU struggled to find the net. It scored on only one of its six man-up opportunities, and failed to take advantage of the Syracuse penalties.
The Orange have responded well since suffering their first defeat of the season to Cornell. Since the loss, SU has won three straight – all in convincing style.
“The strength of our team is we’re able to forget it,” Pelesak said, referring to the only blemish on the SU schedule.
Syracuse will look to reclaim its spot atop the polls when the Orange host No. 1 Notre Dame, Saturday, April 30, at the Carrier Dome. That game that will determine the top seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
