In a rematch of last year’s Big East championship game, St. John’s came up short against conference rival No. 11 Syracuse Saturday, falling 13-11.

“That was a great lacrosse game today, and pretty entertaining if you were sitting in the stands,” said St. John’s head coach Jason Miller.

The game took place at PLL Park in Chester, PA. The match was part of the first ever Whitman’s Sampler Independence Classic.

The game was back and forth throughout the day. The Red Storm’s (3-2) final goal came as time ran out in the third when a four goal burst tied the game at eight apiece and almost marked the team’s second straight victory after being down late by the same margin.

Standout junior Kieran McArdle, who was voted Big East Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, matched up against a tough Syracuse (3-1) defense led by preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Brian Megill. McArdle was able to rattle off four goals and two assists, tying him for fourth on the St. John’s all-time scoring list.

Goalie Jeff Lowman continued his strong season for the Johnnies, his 12 saves put him over 500 for his career.
Kevin Cernuto also had a strong performance for the Red Storm, contributing his second consecutive hat trick and scoring the tying goal with 13:30 left in the game.

James Bonanno also had a game tying goal late, which was the first goal of his career.

Syracuse’s JoJo Marasco was awarded the Player of the Game award after registering a goal and four assists. Derek Maltz led the Orange goal scoring efforts with a hat trick.

“Syracuse played us real tough and deserves congratulations for the victory,” Miller said.

St. John’s will head home to take on another Big East rival in Rutgers on Sat. The game will broadcast on ESPN3.