With 1-10 record, Siena lacrosse still have life
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. >> The final, meaningless seconds were all that separated Siena from a celebration nearly two full months in the making. Week after week the Saints came up short. Whether it was a one-goal loss to St. John’s or nearly getting doubled up at Monmouth.
That’s probably why, with time still left on the clock, Siena goalkeeper Gage Ponsetti couldn’t help himself from triumphantly pumping his fist. The Saints were running out the clock on a 16- 6 blowout of Manhattan.
“It was huge for us, just a huge momentum swing coming into MAAC play,” senior captain Jon-Michael Tokar said. “This is on step closer of our goal of winning a MAAC championship this year. This is huge for us.
The Saints (1-10, 1-2, MAAC) and head coach John Svec are only three years removed from their 2014 MAAC Championship. The seniors that they celebrated on Saturday were a part of that title team. Now, they’re trying to lead Siena out of a hole of embarrassment. With that win the Saints are 1-2 in the MAAC, still alive and kicking to make the four-team conference tournament next month.
With the crosstown rival Albany men’s lacrosse team a national powerhouse, ranked No. 7 in the country, Siena finally got a win to prove its potential is a step above the nation’s worst. Statistically, before Saturday’s win, there was little evidence to suggest they had a win in them. This was a team picked to finish third in the MAAC.
Ten different players scored on Saturday. The offense was quick and efficient. The defense was stifling. It was a statement game against a team the Saints have now beaten 11- straight times.
“We’re in the playoffs, that’s our goal,” Svec said. “Get to the playoffs. Four wins and you’re in. Three, and maybe you’re in. And right now, we have one.”
Sien’a rpi before the win was 69 out of 70 Division I teams. Their scoring defense of 15.7 goals per game was by far the worst in college lacrosse, a full goal behind Brown (14.5). Fourth-worst save percentage. Seventh-worst scoring margin. It was bad.
But Saturday provided” a sigh of relief. Whether it’s a reprieve or a jumpstart remains to be seen. It will either be the bright spot in a hopeless season or a bright spot on a revived one. The next three games will define it.
“It’s not easy, Svec said, before repeating himself. “You work every week, put a game plan in every week. Have an opportunity to compete every week. And when it doesn’t work out the way you want, it can be difficult. But I give a lot of credit to our guys, they come to work every single day.”