Spring Break
The Daily OrangeREPEAT CONTENDERS: With Duke up next, Syracuse men's lacrosse 2 games away from winning consecutive titles
By Matthew Ehalt
Posted: 5/22/09, 12:20 PM EST Section: Final Four '09
"I keep going back to a couple years ago, we were 5-8 and didn't make it, and I think our group last year was really focused on getting back there and showing what they can do," Desko said. "I think the icing on the cake was a national championship and these guys have tasted blood and want to get back here and go for another one."
His players are on board. Senior attack Kenny Nims said it's great to be back this year and said that this trip has been identical to the one last year, so the team knows what to expect and is comfortable in its surroundings. Last season's final four was also played at Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL's New England Patriots.
Nims understands the challenge that lies ahead for the Orange. Every team in this quartet of contenders has beaten one and lost to one of the others. In the Orange's case, SU bested Cornell, but fell to top-seeded Virginia. Repeating as champions will be no easy feat - but Nims thinks he knows the key.
"I think it's tough (to repeat) because each year there's been a pretty great senior class that leads the team to the championship," Nims said. "And that was no different with us last year. So, I think it's all about the senior class and how well the other guys really adapt and feel comfortable here, too."
The biggest factor, though, may be in goal. Starting goalie John Galloway will return to the net this weekend after missing last weekend's game with flu-like symptoms. He has not played since Syracuse's opening victory in the tournament on March 10 against Siena, perhaps leaving him a little rusty for game action this weekend.
Last year, Galloway became just the fifth goalie ever to win a national title as a true freshman, but struggled throughout. He yielded an average of 10 goals per contest in SU's last three victories, but the SU offense picked him up averaging by 12 goals.
The struggles from last season provide extra motivation, and just winning the national title is something he can build from. Having that experience in the net puts him ahead of the other goalies in the field.
"Last year happened, but we're looking for a 2009 championship and to make some memories," Galloway said. "I think there are a couple memories I'd like to erase from last year, a couple tough games I had. I felt like I was seeing the ball for some games, and it didn't work out for the best of me, but we got the win, and so we're looking to get two more wins this season."
There are only two more chances for this SU squad to make a name for itself. The first chance presents itself Saturday, and then if SU wins, a national championship contest awaits.
The chance to make history is awaiting the Orange - and the team is ready.
" A lot of people have been talking about the fact that a team hasn't done it since Princeton in the 90's and it's almost impossible to do now with the parity in lacrosse," Galloway said. "It's something we want to prove wrong, and I think we're up for the task, and it starts on Saturday."
mrehalt@syr.edu
His players are on board. Senior attack Kenny Nims said it's great to be back this year and said that this trip has been identical to the one last year, so the team knows what to expect and is comfortable in its surroundings. Last season's final four was also played at Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL's New England Patriots.
Nims understands the challenge that lies ahead for the Orange. Every team in this quartet of contenders has beaten one and lost to one of the others. In the Orange's case, SU bested Cornell, but fell to top-seeded Virginia. Repeating as champions will be no easy feat - but Nims thinks he knows the key.
"I think it's tough (to repeat) because each year there's been a pretty great senior class that leads the team to the championship," Nims said. "And that was no different with us last year. So, I think it's all about the senior class and how well the other guys really adapt and feel comfortable here, too."
The biggest factor, though, may be in goal. Starting goalie John Galloway will return to the net this weekend after missing last weekend's game with flu-like symptoms. He has not played since Syracuse's opening victory in the tournament on March 10 against Siena, perhaps leaving him a little rusty for game action this weekend.
Last year, Galloway became just the fifth goalie ever to win a national title as a true freshman, but struggled throughout. He yielded an average of 10 goals per contest in SU's last three victories, but the SU offense picked him up averaging by 12 goals.
The struggles from last season provide extra motivation, and just winning the national title is something he can build from. Having that experience in the net puts him ahead of the other goalies in the field.
"Last year happened, but we're looking for a 2009 championship and to make some memories," Galloway said. "I think there are a couple memories I'd like to erase from last year, a couple tough games I had. I felt like I was seeing the ball for some games, and it didn't work out for the best of me, but we got the win, and so we're looking to get two more wins this season."
There are only two more chances for this SU squad to make a name for itself. The first chance presents itself Saturday, and then if SU wins, a national championship contest awaits.
The chance to make history is awaiting the Orange - and the team is ready.
" A lot of people have been talking about the fact that a team hasn't done it since Princeton in the 90's and it's almost impossible to do now with the parity in lacrosse," Galloway said. "It's something we want to prove wrong, and I think we're up for the task, and it starts on Saturday."
mrehalt@syr.edu
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