MLAX Notebook | Niewieroski becoming solid scoring threat

BALTIMORE - Sophomore midfielder/attackman Greg Niewieroski propelled Syracuse's first-quarter scoring spurt with two goals in the span of five minutes. Niewieroski established a new career-best with the two scores.

"He's a nice change-up when he comes in," Desko said. "We've got Kenny Nims, kind of a quick guy, and Greg's kind of a put-his-shoulder-down (player)."

Niewieroski illustrated that point with his second goal, an unassisted score that put Syracuse ahead, 6-5, in the first period. Niewieroski bulldozed his way from behind the cage and ripped a bouncing shot past Virginia goaltender Kip Turner.

Niewieroski scored his first goal with an assist from Nims. Niewieroski has proven valuable for the Orange this season because of his versatility. He's equally adept playing in the midfield, but he can also spell Nims on attack, having partnered Nims and Dan Hardy on the attack line at the Empire State Games in the past.

"(Niewieroski's) a nice counterpunch for us," Desko said. "You're used to playing one player a certain way, and all of a sudden, a guy comes in and does exactly the opposite thing."

Carrozza returns but not at the X Syracuse midfielder John Carrozza returned on the field on Saturday from a foot injury. But he didn't take the faceoffs, which was his primary duty last year. Instead Carrozza played as defensive midfield.

"I was surprised he was able to go as much as he did today," Desko said. "After being out and not being able to run, we found out mid to the end of the last week that he was started to run better. It was good to get him back. We didn't run him on any faceoffs yet. As far as him not being able to practice and then getting out there, I thought he did a pretty good job."

This and that The inaugural Face-Off Classic drew 20,180 fans Saturday, smashing the record for a regular-season NCAA lacrosse attendance. The previous record was set when Johns Hopkins and Maryland played before 19,850 fans in 1987.