Members of the Syracuse University men's Lacrosse team probably didn't think that the final game of the season, Saturday's tilt against Colgate, would be so meaningful. The outcome, however may well determine where - and if - the Orange is playing next wee in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.
SU comes in at 7-6, so a loss would drop the team to .500 for the season. They sit at 12th in polls, but teams around them in the rankings have better won-loss records.
Brendan Bomberry, as one of the team's senior leaders, puts some of the responsibility for the disappointments this season squarely on his shoulders.
"As leaders of the team we haven't been as good as we can. ... From these losses we've learned more than the wins. We've had the feeling of defeat and we don't want that anymore. So that can build something special for May."
Bomberry says they'll be treating the Colgate contest as a playoff game. And he admits it could be 'win-or-go-home.'
Senior Goalie Dom Madonna agrees there's no room for taking Colgate lightly.
"If we lose we go home. I knwo a lot of the seniors, a lot of the upper classman, know this is a good team and we need to play our best game. We have to win our last game, has kind of been the message. I think we're focused and had a good week of practice."
Madonna notes, despite the small size of Colgate and its 7-7 record, the Raiders beat Cornell. Back in early April Cornell topped the Orange by 5 goals.
SU v. Colgate LAX Sat 5/5: Countdown to Faceoff @ 1:30, Game @ 2:00 on WAER 88.3 FM
The Orange has had its bright spots, going 4-0 in ACC play. That record earned Coach John Desko the ACC Coach of the Year Award for 2018.
