By Michael Sorenson
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/5/12
The Syracuse Orange are headed to the NCAA Championship tournament after defeating St. John’s, 12-4, this afternoon at Villanova Stadium in the championship game of the inaugural BIG EAST Men’s Lacrosse Tournament.
“These guys really rose to the occasion,” said Syracuse coach John Desko. “It’s great to win the Big East Championship, and it’s great to be back in the NCAAs again.”
Tommy Palasek (three goals, three assists) was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in the post-game ceremony after collecting six points.
“It’s not just me, it’s our whole offense,” said Palasek. “I think we executed better than we have all year, and that just allows me to do my thing out there.”
Also contributing for the Orange was Haverford School alumnus Matt Walters. Walters added a man-up goal for Syracuse in today’s championship game, his third of the tournament, exceeding his goal total for the season in just two tournament games.
The leading scorer for St. John’s was once again Kieran McArdle. The sophomore attack had two goals and two assists in the contest.
Both goalies played exceptionally well in today’s game, and were both named to the All-Tournament team after the game. Freshman Bobby Wardwell made seven stops for the Orange while junior Jeff Lowman made 13 saves for the Red Storm.
“It was a great year,” said Lowman. “But there’s always room for improvement.”
Syracuse benefitted greatly from their man-up chances. The Orange cashed in on 5 of their 6 EMOs.
The Orange also clamped down tight on defense. Their longpole corps was able to hold the St. John’s offense scoreless through the first half, with junior Brian Megill and freshman Brandon Mullins causing multiple turnovers each.
“They’re really hitting their stride now,” said Red Storm coach Jason Miller. “Nobody wants to play these guys in May.”
Syracuse now awaits word from the NCAA Tournament selection committee to find out where they are headed.
Syracuse – 4-3-2-3 – 12
St. John’s – 0-0-2-2 – 4
Syracuse
Tommy Palasek – 3g, 3a
Bobby Eilers – 2g, 2a
Billy Ward – 1g, 1a
Matt Walters – 1g
Tim Desko – 1g
Luke Cometti – 1g
Hakeem Lecky – 1g
Derek Maltz – 1g
Kevin Rice – 1g
Collin Donahue – 1a
JoJo Marasco – 1a
Bobby Wardwell – 7sv
Dominic Lamolinara – 1sv
St. John’s
Kieran McArdle – 2g, 2a
Harry Kutner – 1g, 1a
Kevin Cernuto – 1g
Jeff Lowman – 13sv
Shots
Syracuse – 40
St. John’s – 30
Ground Balls
Syracuse – 30
St. John’s – 29
Faceoffs
Syracuse – 10
St. John’s – 9
Clears
Syracuse – 16-17
St. John’s – 12-16
EMOs
Syracuse – 5-6
St. John’s – 2-6
Turnovers
Syracuse – 12
St. John’s – 17
