Greg Niewieroski isn’t expecting much. But he’s giving a lot.

In the men’s lacrosse freshman showcase that is the Pumpkin Stick-Out, Niewieroski contributed on different ends of the field. Niewieroski scored three goals and provided two assists in tournament play.

‘We just ran the offense,’ Niewieroski said. ‘We have a great offense.’

Whether setting up a big play and dishing it off to a teammate or shooting one in himself, the freshman showed his versatility as SU’s fourth attackman and at midfield. Niewieroski hasn’t earned a secure spot in the starting lineup, so all the Watertown native can do is gut it out during workout sessions and practice.

‘I really have no clue,’ he said. ‘Coach (John) Desko hasn’t told me anything if I’m starting or not. I hope to work really hard in the off-season. I’ll try my hardest, and we’ll see what happens. It’s great to play four games in one weekend (including the scrimmage against Loyola) to see where we are.’

During face-offs this year, players’ sticks have to be 4 inches outside of the face-off line instead of touching the ball.

‘With the new rule change, we’re not sure how it will affect the face-offs,’ Desko said.

The Orange sported its new Brine helmets during the tournament and Loyola scrimmage. SU also wore the helmets in the Final Four of last year’s NCAA tournament, but spring will be the first full season in which the Orange will sport the new apparel.

‘Other than the look, I can’t really see any difference,’ Desko said.

The Brine helmets have 27 aerodynamic vent holes, adjustable buckles, a molded visor and a moisture management liner. SU previously used helmets made by Cascade, which only had 13 vent holes. But it has an adjustable liner system that will mold to fit the shape of the player’s head.

With Jay Pfeifer starting in front of the cage this season, it will be hard for SU’s freshmen to get exposure at goalie. Jake Myers made some key stops in SU’s contest against Herkimer. The other freshman goalie, Pete Coluccini, is contemplating whether to redshirt for the spring campaign. If Coluccini decides to redshirt, he can still gain solid ground in practices. But he would not be able to participate in any games in order to retain a year of eligibility.

Sophomore midfielder Dan Brennan and junior attackman Jake Plunket are not participating in the fall season because of injuries. Brennan’s left hand is cut, while Plunket tore ligaments in his ankle.

SU played its three games in the Pumpkin Stick-Out consecutively with two 35-minute halves in each match, leaving little time for rest in between games and during halftime. … With exception to Dartmouth, the Pumpkin Stick-Out consisted of Central New York teams, including SU, Le Moyne, Herkimer and Colgate. … The Upstate New York Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse organized the event to raise money for youth lacrosse in the area.

Published on October 11, 2004 at 12:00 pm