MLAX: Number Five Syracuse Wins Another Season Opener Over Siena

By Matthew Wieselthier

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Senior Nick Mariano took a shot from ten yards out only to have it stopped by Siena goalie Aaron Lewis. The ball bounced into the air and seemed to hang for an eternity. Then, Denver transfer Brendan Bomberry scooped it up and in one motion, the junior midfielder brought the ball behind his back and launched it into the back of the net. It was just that kind of day for the Orange.

“It was just an instinct play,” said Bomberry, who scored four goals in his SU debut. “It just happened to pop right up and I just grabbed it as quick as I can. I really didn’t have any other options other than just throw it behind my back and fortunate for me it went in the net.”

Fifth ranked Syracuse defeated Siena 19-6 in this year’s lacrosse opener. It was a scoring barrage from all angles. Five different players scored hat tricks in the win, something head coach John Desko was quite pleased about the team’s overall performance.

“I thought it was a good day for Syracuse,” said Desko, who improved to 18-1 in season-openers. “The guys were excited to play and they showed it on the field today.”

One of those excited players was Nick Mariano. The senior attackman was roaring to get back in action, and it showed.

“I get the chills every time I touch the field,” remarked Mariano, who had a career-high seven points on Saturday. “The atmosphere is the best in the country and we came out with a lot of energy. We just got to keep doing that moving forward.”

Another Orange player who had a career day was Jordan Evans. Number 22 had three goals and five assists, notching up a career high in points on the day. Evans felt he finally found the right connection with his attack.

“Nick [Mariano] and I looked at each other and I told him this is the best I’ve played with a duo,” said the senior attackman. “It’s good to have someone else who really knows the game, inside and out, and knows where to be at the right time.”

Next up for Syracuse is the first real test of the season: #13 Albany in the Dome next Saturday. However, if the Orange is able to maintain this scoring streak, there may not be much to worry about.