Depending upon the game situation, Desko said he tries to rotate in as many players as possible. Against Brown on March 31, he said he was able to give the entire team some game time. But the Orangemen perennially play top-10 opponents, and most teams try to limit SU's strong transition offense by holding the ball for what seems like hours on end. This lowers the goal margin and gives Desko fewer opportunities to sub in reserves. Even if the Orangemen are ahead, though, Desko said it can be tricky to substitute in players like Russell.
Substitutions bring a host of rhythm problems, when bench players come into the game cold.
I want to give them an opportunity, but if they come in and screw up, sometimes they'll feel just as bad about going in as they did about sitting out. I'm sure most of the guys would rather go in and give it a shot than sit out, but it can be a tough call. Playing Division I lacrosse, though, you know that you may not get as much time on the field as you would like, senior attacker Pat Kennedy said. But when you come to a school with this kind of competition and this level of skill, you know you have to pay your dues and wait it out until you get your shot. But players like superstar Mike Powell have been starting since their first SU game.