Listless Syracuse blasted by Notre Dame, 22-8

Syracuse attackman Stephen Rehfuss
Syracuse lacrosse. Mandatory Photo Credit: Kicia Sears, The Juice Online.

Syracuse had few answers for Notre Dame on Saturday, getting blasted on the road, 22-8.

Syracuse jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and ended the first quarter tied at 3-3. The Orange emphasized ball movement against a tough Notre Dame early, with goals from Owen Hiltz, Tucker Dordevic, and Owen Seebold.

“We had the early lead and we were in the right frame of mind,” Desko said.

That mind frame changed quickly, as poor faceoff play, turnovers, and sloppy defense led to Syracuse being outshot 21-6 in the second quarter alone. The Fighting Irish hung 10 goals on Syracuse and took a 13-6 lead into intermission.

“It looked like a breakdown… We just gave up so many easy goals in that second period, very disappointed in that,” Desko said. “We’ve gotta go back to the drawing board and ultimately play better.”

Notre Dame didn’t slow down after the intermission, either.

The Fighting Irish outscored Syracuse 9-2 after the break, and completely shut out the Orange in the third quarter.

Notre Dame dominated the stats, outshooting SU 63-43, and won 20 of 32 face offs.

Pat Kavanagh continued his dominance against the Orange, having a career day with five goals and five assists. The sophomore attackman from Rockville Center, NY had four goals and five assists in their first meeting back in April in an 18-11 Notre Dame rout.

Dordevic led Syracuse with two goals and an assist, capping what was a turbulent week for the Orange, who was without leading scorer Chase Scanlan.

» Related: Seebold emerges as top offensive option in win over Virginia

Scanlan was suspended indefinitely two weeks ago related to a domestic incident following a 21-9 loss to North Carolina on April 17.

He was reinstated last week, but did not practice with the team after the captains threatened to walk out if he continued to play. Scanlan ultimately did not travel with the team to South Bend. His replacement, Seebold, finished with a goal.

Syracuse finishes its regular season on Friday at home versus Robert Morris.

“I’m glad we have that game,” Desko said. “It’s another week of practice…to come out and play really well so that we’re being looked at by the selection committee. The guys will feel better about themselves going into the NCAAs.”

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About Rutger Sears 129 Articles
Rutger is a freelance writer and as a Syracuse native, has an affinity for all Syracuse University Athletics. From Donovan McNabb to Mike Powell, Rutger has seen greatness in many forms don an Orange uniform over the last 30 years. He covers all Syracuse athletics with a particular emphasis on football and recruiting.