Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse men’s lacrosse is very familiar with Maryland’s winning formula under head coach John Tillman.
The Orange has experienced it first-hand in close losses the past two seasons, and it’s seen it still in action in the game film watched in preparation for Saturday’s meeting.
“They’re a very well-coached team, almost to the point where they’re a little bit robotic,” goalie Will Mark said. “Obviously being able to watch film on that is super helpful. You have a team that’s running consistent plays, making consistent decisions, it can help with the scout.”
Said midfielder Jake Stevens: “They do what they do. I don’t think they really adjust for other teams a lot, but what they do, they’re very good at it.”
No. 7 Syracuse hosts No. 4 Maryland at 6 p.m. Saturday in the JMA Wireless Dome — a double-header with the women’s own matchup with the Terrapins at noon — for its first Top 10 matchup of the season.
It will be the first test of whether the Orange is back to its peak competitive level after two seasons rebuilding under head coach Gary Gait.
The Orange has practically been on autopilot through its first three games beating Vermont, Colgate and Manhattan by a combined score of 54-20. Colgate was ranked No. 20 when SU beat it Feb. 5.
Syracuse’s scoring offense, led by Joey Spallina and Owen Hiltz, is No. 4 in the country. Its scoring defense is tied for fifth.
Maryland is ranked below SU in both categories, at No. 31 and No. 9, respectively.
But the Terrapins have already won two ranked matchups, beating No. 19 Richmond 12-11 in double overtime and No. 12 Loyola 11-4.
Gait said he’s been most impressed by Maryland’s defense this season, specifically in its win over Loyola. The Terrapins kept the Greyhounds to just 16 shots on goal in the game.
The anchor of that defense is senior Ajax Zappitello, a first team All-Big Ten pick and second team All-American by three publications last year. He guarded…
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