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Lacrosse

Men’s lacrosse opens season with dominant win

Men’s lacrosse opens season with dominant win

Joey Spallina and Christian Mulé combined for a 12 points in the 20-7 victory over Vermont.

Story by Shane Holcombe / Photos by Griffin Uribe Brown
Published: February 3, 2024
Syracuse’s attack celebrates a goal against Vermont on Saturday.
Photo by Griffin Uribe Brown
Syracuse’s attack celebrates a goal against the University of Vermont during the season opener on Saturday in the JMA Wireless Dome.

No. 12/9 Syracuse men’s lacrosse got its season off to a hot start beating Vermont 20-7 on Saturday.

Head coach Gary Gait’s program improved to 29-3 in season openers played at the JMA Wireless Dome, despite a slow start to the game.  

A slow start from the home team saw the first quarter end 3-2, but the Orange took the second period by storm, scoring nine goals in the frame, and never looked back.

Sophomore attacker Joey Spallina and fifth-year attacker Christian Mulé combined for a 12-point effort that led Syracuse in the win. Mule and Spallina have played together since elementary school, and the sophomore said postgame that, “there is a connection between us that makes our attack hard to prepare for.”  

Syracuse attacker Owen Hiltz (#77) makes a pass to midfielder Sam English (#16) against the University of Vermont during the season opener on Feb. 3, 2024, in the JMA Wireless Dome.
Photo by Griffin Uribe Brown
Syracuse attacker Owen Hiltz makes a pass to midfielder Sam English against Vermont on Saturday.

The Catamounts visited the 315 for the second straight season, however this time around were not as potent of a threat to goalie Will Mark’s net.

The graduate student only faced 18 shots, 11 of which he saved.

Widely considered among the best shot stoppers in the country, Mark will be a crucial piece in Syracuse’s road to get back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2021.  

Coming into the season, the Orange were predicted to have a clinical team when it comes to extra man opportunities. The season opener proved just that.

Syracuse went two-for-three when they were a man up in the first three quarters, before resting most of the starters in the fourth.

An emphatic strike midway through the second quarter for sophomore defender Billy Dwan, an assist from sophomore midfielder Michael Leo in the same frame and a behind the back find from sophomore attacker Finn Thomson to freshman midfielder Tucker Kellogg highlighted a dominant win for the home team.

For fans of the Orange, there was a lot to be excited about against Vermont. Syracuse outshot Vermont 50-to-30, won 11 more faceoffs and 12 more ground balls.

The challenge now lies in the road ahead.    

The Orange now look ahead to an in-state showdown with Colgate on Monday at home. The Red Raiders upset No. 4 Penn State in their opener Saturday. Game is scheduled for 6 p.m.