When FieldTurf was installed in the Carrier Dome during the summer, much of the initial discussion was on the surface’s effect it would have on the football team. But it might have a greater effect for the lacrosse team.

The Orange played its first competitive games in the Carrier Dome on Sunday with scrimmages against Fairfield and Le Moyne. It was the first time this season when the basketball court and seating was removed, allowing the full field – and thus, FieldTurf – for lacrosse.

While SU practices on Coyne Field’s FieldTurf and at the Carrier Dome, it was an entirely different setting on Sunday. After the first go-around, the reviews are positive.

‘We’re pretty familiar with it, so it’s not like a new thing,’ senior defenseman John Wright said. ‘But playing in here on 100 yards is new, especially with the vision. It’s more like grass with the ball in that it rolls slower and stops easier, but it’s not as much as grass. So it’s kind of in the middle.’

Junior defenseman Steve Panarelli said there really isn’t much of a difference between the turf at Coyne Field and the turf at the Carrier Dome. He noticed the Dome’s turf is flatter because of the pads that cover it during basketball games, but it was nothing that affected the Orange.

It also benefits the Orange when it comes to injuries. Wright, Panarelli and head coach John Desko all noted how much easier the FieldTurf will be on the team’s health. Panarelli specifically identified the back and the knees as spots that feel much better after the game than it they did on AstroTurf.

The turf also affects the style of play. Desko said the ball doesn’t bounce as easily or roll as fast so a player must always be alert. But while the ball slows down, Desko said it doesn’t alter the Orange’s speed.

‘It did in the initial adjustment, but after a week, you get adjusted to it,’ Desko said. ‘Since then, it’s been great.’

Freshman ready

Freshman Kenny Nims played competitively in the Carrier Dome for the first time of his college career. Like anyone in that situation, the nerves caught up to the Watertown native when he first took the field.

‘I was real nervous. When I caught a pass at the beginning, I shot one at Mike’s (Leveille) ankles,’ Nims said. ‘But coach let me hear it and I was good after that. Once you get out there, it’s just what you’ve been doing your whole life. It’s just playing lacrosse.’

The ease showed in Nims’ game. He played confidently and was effective at attack. Nims netted two goals against both Fairfield and Le Moyne. From early indications, he appears capable of being a big contributor for the Orange – especially now that the first-time jitters are out of the way.

‘It’s a lot different from practice, going against different guys,’ Nims said. ‘It’s a lot different than beating each other up for a month.’

Published on February 4, 2006 at 12:00 pm