On Saturday, a Derek Maltz [10] rebound goal capped a comeback that sent the Orange to the national championship game. Today, head coach John Desko, seniors JoJo Marasco [11] and Brian Megill [12], and Maltz met with the media to discuss the upcoming title game against seventh-seeded Duke (15-5). Here are some highlights from the press conference:
Marasco and Megill on playing a Duke team that ended the Orange season last year:
Marasco - “We're here playing in the National Championship and we're playing a great Duke team, and it's been since last year every day you go out there and practice you hope you have another chance to play against Duke. When they took our season away last year we look forward to having the opportunity to play them in the National Championship game tomorrow at 1:00, last game for Syracuse, wouldn't want it any other way and looking forward to tomorrow.”
Megill - “You dream to playing in these types of situations. It's a rematch for Duke after beating us twice last year. Its just more fuel to the fire. But being a senior, last game, playing for a National Championship for one of the most prestigious programs in lacrosse history, it seems like the stars are aligning.
Megill on a potential ACC rivalry with Duke in the future
Megill - “The ACC is just going to be a powerhouse of teams, but it's a tremendous opportunity to start something new. We've had so many rivalries in the past that are ‑‑ have come to the dome or we've gone to their place and it's just such a hostile environment, and to be able to play in the ACC against those teams and get the road trips, the plane trips, it'll be a really cool experience for those guys.
Marasco on the importance of the title game
Marasco - “When you speak to the media it's easy to say you come here to win a National Championship, but they don't see all the hard work you put in. To be a senior and finally make it here is a huge thing for our entire team, and I'm so proud of these guys. We're definitely going to try to go out with a bang tomorrow, and we can't wait to get out there and just prove people wrong and show them how talented this team is. Being a senior, every day you practice to be in this game, and you dream about it since you were a little kid, and to finally be here, emotions are running high, and I can't say enough about the team again and the coaches, and hopefully we show up and play tomorrow.
Desko on the challenges that Duke presents
Desko - “Well, I think their attack is very dangerous with Wolf. I think they really understand their offense. They know where people are going to be, and they understand when the other team slides from a certain person or a certain spot on the field what their looks are, whether to throw down or back up or look to the inside, and again with those two middies, especially the two middies up top, I think they really can stretch your defense because of their ability to shoot from the outside.
A win versus Duke be the 12th national championship in the esteemed program’s history and would break a single-season wins record (17). Tune in Monday, May 27th at 1pm on ESPN to watch the Orange face the Blue Devils, as seniors Marasco and Megill look to finish their careers with a national championship victory.
