JoJo Marasco had no idea he notched his 100th career point until a reporter notified him of the accolade after the game.

“You know, it’s a great accomplishment. I didn’t know that happened,” Marasco said. “It’s more about the team. Winning big games like this against Virginia in the (Carrier) Dome for our fans.”

Marasco scored his 49th career goal and the accompanying 100th point at the 1:10 mark in the third quarter on a lefty sling from beyond 15 yards out. The senior captain evened the score at six in the middle of a 4-0 Syracuse run. Out of the Orange’s eight goal-scorers Friday night, Marasco was the only one to convert twice, propelling No. 18 Syracuse (2-1) to a 9-8 overtime win over No. 6 Virginia (4-1) in the Carrier Dome.

“It’s a great thing and I’m happy about it,” Marasco said, “but other than that I’m just doing what I can to help out the team.”

After leading the Orange midfielders in points last season, Marasco is off to another strong start this year. He currently has 11 points, good for first on the team, on five goals and six assists.

Marasco attempted six shots – four of them on goal – and collected three ground balls. His first goal came at the 5:49 mark in the first when he scurried past a UVA defender and hurled the ball past Virginia goalie Dan Marino.

Early in the second quarter he had a tenacious battle with Virginia defender Scott McWilliams. Marasco toyed with the ball while McWilliams shadowed his every move. Marasco didn’t score on the play, but he set the tempo for an imminent turnaround.

His second strike came at a pivotal juncture as SU tried to claw away at the deficit. With the sluggish end to the first half, SU head coach John Desko turned to Marasco to help his team make a run.

A goal by Matt Harris two minutes into the third cut the margin to one. Then Marasco reached his milestone and tied the game up in the process.

Marasco was a factor in overtime, too, firing a shot and picking up his final ground ball before Kevin Rice fired the game-winner three minutes into the extra period.

“We talked about it at the half and just kind of slashed away at it,” Desko said. “Then we tied it up and were able to leave on the last shot.”

Published on March 2, 2013 at 12:19 am

Contact Trevor: tbhass@syr.edu | @TrevorHass