As defender Brooke DeRosa lay on the field at Colgate, a hush came over the crowd. After a few seconds, an eternity to DeRosa, she got up, walked off the injury and came back on to the field.

The following play, with Colgate attacking in SU territory, DeRosa made a crucial defensive stop. If DeRosa can continue her strong play – and stay injury-free – at Connecticut on Saturday, the Orangewomen will not have to worry about their defense.

With senior Erica Mastrogiacomo out for Saturday’s game with an injury, DeRosa’s play will be even more pivotal in SU’s quest to clinch a berth in the Big East tournament. If Syracuse defeats No. 25 UConn tomorrow, it’ll be guaranteed a spot in the tournament.

‘(DeRosa’s play) will be important.’ senior Courtney Spencer said. ‘She’s been out there for a good part of the season and gotten more comfortable with defense.’

Good defensive play is especially important to the Orangewomen. But mistake-free play is even more important for DeRosa because her mistakes are emphasized more after she switched from midfield to defense at the beginning of the season.

‘Defense is going to be really big.’ Spencer said. ‘We have to shut them down because you can’t win a game if they score.’

‘Your mistakes are more likely to stand out on defense because you’re closer to the net.’ DeRosa said. ‘A mistake on defense is worse than one at midfielder.’

But Syracuse (9-6-1, 2-2-1 Big East) is not worried about DeRosa making mistakes after her strong showing this season.

‘She plays smart and plays well in the back.’ Spencer said.

The Orangewomen need the whole team – and not just DeRosa – to play smart if they want to come out of Storrs with a win. The Huskies (9-4-3, 4-1-0) have already clinched a berth to the Big East tournament and, with 12 points, are playing to win the Northeast Division. SU is ranked fourth in the Northeast Division with seven points. It is the last Big East game for both teams.

As the most important game of the season for the Orangewomen approaches, DeRosa has the attitude that is necessary for a win.

‘I’m anxious,’ DeRosa said. ‘I’m getting pumped up. I just want to play.’

Published on October 23, 2003 at 12:00 pm