#TBT: Syracuse defeats Johns Hopkins to secure 1983 NCAA Title

On May 28, 1983, a Syracuse lacrosse program that had been on the rise of the national scene reached the summit of its climb.

For the first time, Syracuse was crowned NCAA National Champions after the second-seeded Orange downed No. 1 Johns Hopkins 17-16 in a thriller to capture the crown.

In the third quarter, Syracuse's hopes looked bleak against the Blue Jays, with Hopkins leading 12-5 with under seven minutes left in the third quarter, but Syracuse would not be denied.

Syracuse went on an 11-1 run to take a 15-13 advantage over the closing minutes of the third. It started with Darren Lawlor's goal late in the third quarter. Then Brad Kotz and fellow sophomore Tim Nelson, both All-Americans, took over for the Orange. Nelson would go on to finish as the tournament's leading scorer, racking up 12 assists. Kotz doubled as the faceoff man and primary goal scorer for 'Cuse, leading to eight straight goals that gave Syracuse the lead at 12-11.

Hopkins would knot the game later at 15, but goals by Kotz and Randy Lundblad gave the Orange a two-goal cushion, with Del Dressell scoring the final Hopkins goal.

Nelson had two goals and six assists in the finals, to finish as the tournament's leading scorer with 15 points. Kotz scored five goals, all in the second half and was named Most Outstanding Player. Dave Desko (2), Art Lux (2), Mike Powers and Tom Korrie also found the back of the net on the afternoon for the Orange and not to be forgotten, Travis Solomon made 18 saves in net for the Orange.

Syracuse and Johns Hopkins will meet for the 55th time in program history on Saturday at 4 p.m. with ESPNU set to broadcast the action.

Syracuse University Athletics

#TBT: Syracuse defeats Johns Hopkins to secure 1983 NCAA Title

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