You’d think that starting off 3-0 has given the Syracuse women’s soccer team at least some of the recognition that goes with having a successful year, at least on its own campus.

But it hasn’t.

‘I don’t think people know I play soccer,’ sophomore midfielder Kristina Cristofori said. ‘But my teachers have made comments about always seeing me in the paper and saying they have to come to a game. So slowly it may be coming out.’

Things are looking up for the Orangewomen. While still unranked nationally, SU jumped from No. 7 to No. 3 in the northeast region Soccer Buzz Magazine poll.

SU’s first Big East matchup of the year is today at No. 21 Villanova at 4 p.m. The Orangewomen also play Massachusetts on Sunday in Amherst, Mass.

Success in the next two games may get the Orangewomen the recognition they think they deserve.

Cristofori, who leads the team with eight points, at least understands that some of the reason the women’s soccer team goes unnoticed may be because it is dwarfed by some of school’s larger sports. She’d better get used to it.

‘It’s different because it’s a big school,’ she said. ‘I’m still trying to find my way to class.’

Seniors Nina Scalzo and co-captain Erica Mastrogiacomo are used to going unnoticed. But that won’t stop them from dropping a few hints about their secret identities.

‘Sometimes we’re recognizable,’ Scalzo said. ‘We’re always wearing sweats.’

If their dress doesn’t give their athlete status away, their actions might.

‘In my classes, a lot of people know (that I play soccer) just because we miss a lot of classes, and I have to talk to the professor a lot,’ Mastrogiacomo said. ‘But I kind of like the attention.’

But the real recognition they desire is the one that Villanova has – a national ranking.

‘Every single game we need to go out there and prove ourselves,’ Scalzo said. ‘Everybody thinks it’s a fluke each time we win.’

It’s tough not to think that following last year’s 3-11-3 season. But the Orangewomen know they’re not the same team they were a year ago.

‘Every game we’re trying to make a statement and show them how we’ve improved and that we’re ready to play,’ Mastrogiacomo said. ‘(SU head coach April Kater) is saying we’ll probably be ranked Top 25 if we beat Villanova.’

Such a ranking would mean there’s been significant improvement since last season. The Orangewomen claim that the rankings will be the last thing on their minds when they take the field today. The game kicks off Big East competition for SU.

‘We played (Villanova) in 2001 and they barely beat us,’ Mastrogiacomo said. ‘It’s going to be a good game. They play a similar system to ours. We match up pretty evenly.’

A win against such strong opposition could mean plenty for the Orangewomen’s confidence in the competitive Big East.

‘It’s going to be tough to beat Villanova,’ Scalzo said. ‘This game speaks a lot for the whole season. All games against Big East opponents are big games. We’ve just got to win.’

With a win, maybe SU will receive some kudos.

‘We’re starting off on a good note,’ Cristofori said. ‘Everyone’s starting to recognize the team again. If we beat (Villanova) it will definitely give us a name in the Big East.’

Published on September 10, 2003 at 12:00 pm