On this day 16 years ago, Liam Banks ’98 scored 3 points to help Syracuse University top defending National Champion Virginia, 13-12, in the season opener.

The former Bear netted 2 goals and added an assist in the overtime victory for the Orangemen. Banks’ former teammate at the Brook, Derek Kenney ’98, recorded 10 saves in goal for the Cavaliers.

Syracuse and Banks would go on to finish the season 15-1 and win the National Championship. Banks would be named MVP of the title game with 6 goals, the most in the Championship since 1981. He would finish the season second on the team in points with 66 (39 G/ 27 A) and earned Honorable Mention All-America honors.

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