Feb. 10, 2014

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Syracuse scored on 50% of its shots as the top ranked Orange defeated Siena Lacrosse 19-7 in the season opener for both programs at the Carrier Dome. Red-shirt junior captain Richie Hurley scored four goals in a losing effort for the Saints.

Dylan Donohue erupted for nine points (eight goals) and Kevin Rice added eight assists for 2013 National Finalist Syracuse which entered the season ranked No. 1 nationally in the first USILA Coaches' Poll and second in the Warrior Media Poll.

In a matchup of two of the nation's top-eight winningest programs over the past seven years, the statistics were fairly even aside from the score. Syracuse harbored a 38-32 edge in shots, while the Saints won the groundball battle 33-29.

But Syracuse's high powered offense was too proficient for the Saints to overcome. The Orange scored three times in the opening 3:47 en route to an eight-goal opening quarter.

Hurley and senior Rob Hunter pulled the Saints within 3-2, but Syracuse answered with the next four goals to pull away. The teams combined for 11 goals in the opening quarter and Syracuse ultimately took a 13-4 lead at the break.

MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Conor Prunty and senior Thomas Schoener also tallied goals for Siena which fell to 2-14 all-time against USILA Coaches' Poll Top-20 teams.

Red-shirt sophomore goalie Tommy Cordts earned the start and made six saves for the Saints in two-plus quarters of action. Red-shirt junior goalie Kenny Carpenter finished the game, making three saves while bequeathing just two goals in his collegiate debut.

The Saints continue their season opening five-game road trip Saturday with a 1 p.m. faceoff at Hobart.