Laxmen Fall to No. 1 Syracuse, 23-3; National Champs Overwhelm Crimson

The Harvard men's lacrosse team finally found an escape from the terrible weather that has plagued its training efforts.

But if the atmosphere inside Syracuse Carrier Dome on Saturday was inviting, the hosts certainly were not. The number one ranked undefeated and defending national champion Orangemen thumped the Crimson, 23-3.

Although the Laxmen weren't intimidated by the giant dome and its 50,000 seats, the depth and skill of Syracuse did the job.

Yet, in spite of the score, the Crimson played well and much better than it had in losing a slightly worse 23-2 final to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, three weeks ago.

But even a strong Harvard efforts left the Crimson far behind Syracuse and dropped the Laxmen's record to 2-4 overall.

"They're the standard that everyone measures themselves against," said Junior Rob Hawley. He added that although the Crimson ran with the Orangemen and grabbed more ground balls they just had more guns.

Facing the orange bullets was junior goalie T.J. Woel, who started the game in net for the Crimson and was later relieved by Mike Wachs.

The goaltender situation remains unresolved, however. Figuring most prominently in the picture to freshman Mike Bergmann, who was held out of the Syracuse game because of a shoulder injury.

Not seriously hurt, Bergmann has healed and figures to start the Crimson's next game against UNH on Wednesday. Before he got hurt, the freshman was doing several key dulls with the first string in practice.

Yet, Bergmann, doesn't like the struggle for the top spot. "If you're not in it one day at practice it's a bummer, but it keeps your working," the Choale product said.

Chris Pujols seemed to have the best understanding of the situation, characterizing it as "a game-to-game thing."

The other aspects of squad have solidified themselves and the Crimson appears set at attack, midfield and defense with only the goal-keeping dilemma still to be resolved.

After facing UNH at Durham on Wednesday the Crimson travels to Yale on Saturday and then Brown the next Wednesday.

"This is our biggest week," attackman Martin Garcia said. "This will tell us if we're good."

After losses to Syracuse, Hopkins, Penn and Cornell, the team now faces the easier part of its schedule and a realistic opportunity to improve its record.

"I see eight wins in a row," Pujols said.

At least with the Orangemen out of the way, the Laxmen realize it won't get any tougher.

THE NOTEBOOK: Sophomore Tom Corcoran had two goals for the Crimson and Paul Garavente added the other Harvard tally.... Approximately 3500 showed up in the Carrier Dome for Saturday's game. HARVARD (2-4)  0  2  0  1-- 3 SYRACUSE (6-0)  6  7  5  6--23

Goals: S. Tom Korrie 5, Brad Kotz 4, Brad Lundblad 3, Dave Desko 2, Tom Nelson 2, Tem Nelson 2, Eric Jeschke. John Schimole, Mark Burnham, Pat Donahue, Matt Holman 1, H. Tom Corcoran 2. Paul Garavente 1.

Assists: S. Tim Nelson 4. Brad Kolz, Brad Lunblad, Todd Curry 3. Gordy Mapes 2. Dan Pratt. "Mark Burnham, Matt Holman 1. H. none.

Saves: S. Tom Nims 12. Jim Gyorey H. T J Woel 15. Mike Wachs 2.

Att: 3500.

Goals: S. Tom Korrie 5, Brad Kotz 4, Brad Lundblad 3, Dave Desko 2, Tom Nelson 2, Tem Nelson 2, Eric Jeschke. John Schimole, Mark Burnham, Pat Donahue, Matt Holman 1, H. Tom Corcoran 2. Paul Garavente 1.

Assists: S. Tim Nelson 4. Brad Kolz, Brad Lunblad, Todd Curry 3. Gordy Mapes 2. Dan Pratt. "Mark Burnham, Matt Holman 1. H. none.

Saves: S. Tom Nims 12. Jim Gyorey H. T J Woel 15. Mike Wachs 2.

Att: 3500.