Division I Men :      April 6, 2002 [ The Game Story]
Syracuse 15 Loyola 6 Scoring: Scoring: Josh Coffman Brian Nee Spencer Wright Michael Powell Brian Solliday John Glatzel Michael Springer Mike Smith Jarett Park Sean Lindsay Tom Hardy (3, 3) (3, 0) (3, 0) (1, 2) (0, 2) (0, 1) (1, 0) (1, 0) (1, 0) (1, 0) (1, 0) Parker Adams Stephen Brundage Ryan Radonis Michael Sullivan (2, 0) (2, 0) (1, 1) (1, 0) Saves: Saves: Nick Donatelli Jay Pfeifer 6  (0.667) 6  (0.667) Mark Bloomquist Mike Fretwell 9  (0.391) 1  (0.500) Current Record :     (8-1) Current Record :     (7-1) Team Page For 2002 Team Page For 2002       The Game Story:

The undefeated Loyola Greyhounds locked horns with the Orangemen Saturday at the Dome in one of the weekend's key matchups. The Orange cruised to a 15-6 victory in front of 9,224 spectators who got to witness one of the most impressive defensive efforts from the Orangemen all year. And the offense wasn't so bad either. Senior attackman Josh Coffman led the Orangemen in scoring with 3 goals and 3 assists all in the first half. Brundage, Radonis, and Adams all garnered 2 points each in the losing effort for Loyola.

The first quarter of the game proved to be the most important as Syracuse got things started off right by leading Loyola 5-1 after the first 15 minutes. It would be a lead they would not relinquish. Josh Coffman got it going for S.U. after opening up the scoring with a goal of his own and then feeding Mike Springer and Mike Smith to put the lead to 3-0. One of the highlights of this quarter came from the touted freshman middie Jarrett Park. He showed his speed when he sprinted the ball down the field, split two Loyola defenders and nearly buried a shot from the right side of the cage. In the past few games he has been getting a goal or two and is really beginning to show his ability. Shortly into the second quarter Loyola got things rolling after two quick goals from Steve Brundage and Ryan Radonis, but both goals were quickly answered by Syracuse. Brundage then scored again on a fast break coming off a faceoff to keep Loyola in the game. Syracuse then went on another four goal run while only allowing Loyola one score to send the game into halftime with Syracuse commanding a 10-5 lead. At this point it was clear that Syracuse was on its game and it would take a serious team effort from Loyola to come back and win this one.

Syracuse would have nothing of this as their defense became even more dominant in the 3rd as they held Loyola scoreless and even shut them down on an extra man opportunity late in the quarter. They weren't allowing Loyola any high percentage chances and were also creating lots of turnovers which were often converted into transition opportunities. After two more Syracuse scores from Brian Nee and Spencer Wright the game was sent into the final quarter with S.U. leading 12-5. Syracuse's smothering defense still did not let up as they allowed one goal during the entire second half giving themselves all they needed to easily come out on top. After a faceoff goal from Jarrett Park 10 seconds into the fourth and two more from Hardy and Wright later in the quarter, the lone goal Loyola's Parker Adams scored was too little and too late as the game ended with Syracuse ahead 15-6.

All in all the game was really exciting to watch because Syracuse seemed to be doing a lot of transition style play which was reminiscent of the Run-and-Gun Style of lacrosse they are known to breed. Next up for Loyola is Butler this Saturday and Syracuse travels to Cornell on Tuesday. Watch out though because the last time SU had a big win over Loyola in the Dome was two years ago and they ended up losing by a goal to the Big Red on their weekday trip to Schoellkopf field. Both should be interesting matchups.