Syracuse Get’s Second Straight Win: Rehfuss Cements Himself In SU History Books
By Tyler Melito
CitrusTV Men’s Lacrosse Beat Reporter
After what was a slow start to the season in their first game against Army, Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse has seemed to have found their footing on the offensive end of the field, as they were able to take down Vermont 17-13 for their second win of the 2021 season.
Against Virginia last week, the Orange had nine different players score at least one goal and ten players record at least one point (either a goal or assist). In the first half against the Catamounts on Saturday afternoon, SU had eight different players score at least one goal, as well as eight different players record at least one point. They would go on to lead 10-7 after the first half.
Syracuse would end the game with nine different players recording at least one point. In the second half, it appeared the main priority was holding onto the lead, as they would go on stretches of not scoring any goals, but getting one to go when they needed one to. The offense is without question the identity of this team, and if they can continue to share the wealth on that side of the field, there is no reason to believe that this team can’t win it all for the first time since 2009.
Stephen Rehfuss was once again the star of the show. With 6 assists, he moved into the top-10 all time in career assists in Syracuse history. Not to mention he had 2 goals as well. When asked about what he brings to this team, Syracuse head coach John Desko described the 6th-year senior as,
“He has been seeing the field really well,” said Desko. “He is quick to understand offenses… Definitely has leadership on the field… A pretty complete player.”
Freshman Owen Hiltz continued to show off his skillset, with his second straight game with a hat trick (at least three goals). He would finish with four goals and an assist. Drake Porter was an absolute brick wall in net for Syracuse as well. The Aurora, Ontario native notched his single game career high save total with 20. It was not just the number of saves that was so impressive, it was the quality. Time after time, Vermont had opportunities which in any other game probably would have gotten past Porter. Not today though. Coach Desko would talk about Porters performance postgame, saying,
“He helped our cause.” Said Desko. “I think he rose to the occasion… He was seeing the ball well.”
The win did come at somewhat of a cost to SU, as with just under five minutes left in the first half, Redshirt Junior Owen Seebold went to the locker room and would not return. Seebold has had three goals so far this season, including one versus the Catamounts.
Despite the loss, Vermont should not hang their heads low. Ryan Cornell in net for UVM only had 12 saves and allowed 17 goals, but he kept his team in the game for a greater portion of this one as the Orange’s offense was relentless. Then there was Thomas McConvey and Liam Limoges. The pair combined for seven of the team’s 13 goals, four for McConvey, three for Limoges.
Next up for Syracuse, they will host the Stony Brook Seawolves on Friday, March 12 at 1pm inside the Dome.
@MelitoTyler, tylermelito@gmail.com
