Records Fall in a Fitting Debut for Gait

When Gary Gait starred for Syracuse lacrosse from 1987-90, he was a main reason for the rise of the 'Cuse program to become known as a high-octane offensive juggernaut program that the Orange dominate their opponents with style and flair.

While it's just one game against an unranked opponent, it was fitting that his debut as head coach featured an offensive explosion, shattering a number of scoring records, hearkening Orange fans' memories back to the days of Gait's playing career.

The offense was remarkably efficient – shooting 57-percent on the day – finding the back of the net 28 times on just 49 shots. The Orange put a hurt on the Crusaders right from the start. 'Cuse's 19 first-half goals are the most on record for a Syracuse team.

The 28 goals were the most by Syracuse since 1994, and the 23 goal win was the largest margin of victory for the Orange in the history of the Carrier Dome.

Dominance was a hallmark of Gait's playing career. As a senior in 1990, the team ran the table to the NCAA Championship, winning by an average of more than 10 goals per game, on what is widely regarded as the best team ever in the sport's history.

Gait was quick to turn his attention to the future after game, though. "My motto has always been to win the last game of the season. We want to win the last game we play, not just the first game we play."

It can't be said enough that it's just one game, and there's a large hill to climb for the program seeking to return to Championship Weekend for the first time in nearly a decade. Syracuse might have the most difficult schedule in the nation, featuring seven games against the nation's top-five ranked teams in the USILA Preseason Poll. But the performance triggered optimism around Central New York.

16 of the 28 goals were assisted. Thirteen different players scored in the contest. The defense allowed just three goals at even strength. Syracuse dominated the X as well, winning 26-of-37 faceoffs. All-in-all, Syracuse couldn't have asked for much more in a debut.

From here on out, the road gets much tougher. The Orange will find a lot more about themselves in the next two, beginning with No. 2 Maryland on Sunday before the team travels to face the two-time defending champs in No. 1 Virginia the following week.

Tickets to Sunday's Syracuse Lacrosse Legends Day – where fittingly, Gait will be the first member of the program to have his jersey retired prior to faceoff – are available at Cuse.com/Tickets.

Syracuse University Athletics

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