Top-ranked Syracuse shows their plethora of weapons in statement win over rival Johns Hopkins

Number 1 Never Looked Better; Top-ranked Syracuse in control from start to finish!

The Syracuse Orange dominated rival Johns Hopkins as they never trailed in this one. Opening the game on a 7-1 run helped silence the raucous crowd at Homewood as Syracuse imposed their attack from the opening faceoff on their way to a 15-9 victory. The top-ranked Orange had multiple players with at least 4 goals for the 2nd consecutive game, and received another masterful performance from Drake Porter to fuel the win.

Throughout the first quarter, the Orange played with a level of energy that overwhelmed the Blue Jays. The Orange won a combined 17/22 ground balls or faceoffs, helping the team play their offensive style and forcing Johns Hopkins to adjust their game plan. The Orange’s first quarter spurt was led by Drake Porter defensively because the wall that he presents in goal caused errant shots from Hopkins. The team fed off Porter’s edge, and leaned heavily on 5th year senior Stephen Rehfuss to facilitate the potent attack. Rehfuss racked up 4 assists in the 1st quarter, on the way to tying his single-game career high in that stat category.

In the 2nd frame, the Syracuse Orange returned to their offensive identity, the one thing they have struggled with thus far in the season. Syracuse has 2 of the highest scoring players in lacrosse, and both took control late in the period. Chase Scanlan and Jamie Trimboli helped the Orange close the half with a 6 goal lead. The 2 goals from Scanlan and Trimboli deflated the Homewood crowd, as Syracuse was starting to round into form. The Syracuse Orange’s point differential has gotten larger by quarter this year, and the 10-4 halftime lead made a Hopkins comeback nearly impossible.

The Orange continued their dominance in the 2nd half, as the team held the Blue Jays scoreless for more than 16 minutes between 8:50 in the 2nd quarter and 4:13 in the 3rd. The 8 goal lead that the Orange built felt insurmountable, and many Hopkins players looked defeated. Syracuse flexed its muscle early and often, displaying all the different shot types and distances, with Scanlan and Tromboli both having highlight reel goals.

The Orange continued their faceoff dominance, as they have owned the edge in that stat every game this season. The most impressive player for the Orange today was Drake Porter, but the nation’s best midfield dictated the game’s tempo and the Orange were in complete control.

The win marks the first road win for the Orange and the 5th time during the Coach Desko era that the team has started the season 5-0. An all around impressive win to kick off the road trip.

The Orange will continue their 3 game road trip next Saturday when they visit the lowly Rutgers.