Syracuse men’s lacrosse beats Hobart, 21-13

The Kraus-Simmons Trophy is staying with the Orange for the seventh straight year. The Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse team closed the game on a 9-2 run to pull away from the rival Hobart Statesmen. A career-high five goals from both Tucker Dordevic and Brendan Curry helped lead the Orange to a dominant second half and come away with the win.

Syracuse came into Friday’s game understanding the challenge that the Hobart offense presents with their 23 points per game. Prior to the contest, Hobart had scored at least 8 goals in every half this season, and tonight the Orange held the Statesmen to their lowest totals in both halves (6 and 7 respectively). SU had an emphasis throughout the week was aiming to make the passing lanes difficult for Hobart, and the Orange executed that game plan. Syracuse forced 22 turnovers, which was the most Hobart has committed all season. An all-around impressive defensive performance from the Orange helped fuel the offense’s 2nd half explosion.

Speaking of offense, the Orange rebounded in the 2nd half by out-shooting and out-scoring Hobart in all categories. ‘Cuse surged to a five-goal lead thanks to a momentum-shifting 4-0 spurt. One of the focuses offensively for the Orange this week has been to score repeatedly in quick bursts. Syracuse’s game defining run began with Jamie Trimboli scoring on a set piece, then featured more goals by Curry and Dordevic. Then finally, after a standoff early in the fourth, sophomore transfer Chase Scanlan ripped the net with 11 minutes remaining.

Curry spoke highly of his teammates postgame, stating: “The second half was all about finding what worked in the first half, and building upon that. Our defense was able to win the ground balls, and our elite Faceoff duo won their matchups, amking things easier for the offense…” The Orange’s offensive transformation from half to half featured wider passing lanes and off-ball movement.

Coach John Desko credited his team for grinding out their personal battles with Hobart’s counterpart, and noted that it took the entire team to win today. When asked on the subject of the team’s attitude today, he responded with simply: “Today was about wanting to take home that trophy, and our guys showed that it belongs here.”

The team’s toughness and fitness showed today as the Orange gained offensive momentum and endurance during a raucous 3rd quarter. When Hobart’s defensemen ran out of gas, Syracuse poured it on. Timely scoring bursts ruled the day, and Syracuse was able to outlast Hobart.

With the win, Syracuse moves to 4-0 on the season for the 15th time in Coach Desko’s career. Additionally, the Kraus-Simmons Trophy will reside with Syracuse once again, as SU won their 32nd in 35 meeting between the schools when the cup was on the line.

The Orange played their last game in the Dome this season, and now embark on a three-game road trip, beginning next weekend against Johns Hopkins.