LaxPower Forum Poll
Men's Division III
02/09/04 |
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| Rank | Team | Points | 1st | Previous |
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| 1 | Salisbury | 319 | (15) | 2 |
| 2 | Middlebury | 304 | (1) | 4 |
| 3 | Washington College | 277 | | 3 |
| 4 | Cortland | 263 | | 5 |
| 5 | Gettysburg | 204 | | 12 |
| 6t | Whittier | 199 | | 1 |
| 6t | Hampden-Sydney | 199 | | 7 |
| 8 | Lynchburg | 198 | | 6 |
| 9 | Nazareth | 195 | | 8 |
| 10 | Ithaca | 193 | | 9 |
| 11 | Washington & Lee | 184 | | 10 |
| 12 | Franklin & Marshall | 159 | | 11 |
| 13 | Hamilton | 131 | | 15 |
| 14 | Ohio Wesleyan | 79 | | 17 |
| 15t | Rensselaer | 70 | | 13 |
| 15t | Roanoke | 70 | | 16 |
| 17t | Tufts | 62 | | RV |
| 17t | St. Lawrence | 62 | | 18 |
| 19 | Springfield | 58 | | RV |
| 20 | McDaniel | 49 | | 14 |
Received votes: Geneseo (27), Amherst (19), Wesleyan (13), St. Mary's College (8), Clarkson (5), RIT (5), Bates (2), Eastern Connecticut (2), Denison (1), Virginia Wesleyan (1), Stevens (1), Dickinson (1) |
Number of voters: 16 (3lax40, beachbum, boartusk, corkscrew, D-III, general21111, Keeper, laxie, Lonewolf, minkhoo, Richard, SacredLax, squash, tmj8, valaxfan, waclaxfan) |
Pollster Comments
Salisbury: King of the hill until they lose. (3lax40) — #1 until proven otherwise. Loss of Phillips and Bergey will hurt. I don't think Simmons will be nearly as effective at attack. (beachbum) — Most depth, Division I defense. (corkscrew) — They are #1 until beaten, but with Phillips gone they are not as scary. They still have a great defense, probably the best in D-III and plenty of talent on offense; however there are questions at significant positions. They lost about one-third of their scoring in 3 players. That being said, they are one of the favorites (in what may end up being a two-horse race) and do not be surprised if the Gulls win it again. (D-III) — They appear to be incredibly deep and strong. (general21111) — Loss of Bergey hurts, but 6 returning AA's will more than compensate. As close to a Final Four lock as you can get in the pre-season. (Keeper) — Numbers 1, 2, 3 are all interchangeable; however, the nod will go to Salisbury as the defending champs. With a loss of personnel both with graduation and academics, they could drop. (laxie) — Defending champs have awesome talent. Hard to bet against the Gulls. (minkhoo) — #1 until they are beaten. They are not the same team without Bergey. (Richard) — The easiest part of this poll is number one. Salisbury is returning a lot of power and have to be the pre-season favorite to win it in 2004. (SacredLax) — No. 1 until they lose. Best middie in D-III returns and tough defense to defend their title. (valaxfan)
Middlebury: Great goalie, always one of the top teams, terrific coach. (3lax40) — Return a lot of talent from an already great team. (beachbum) — Three tough home games vs. Amherst, Tufts, and Wesleyan will get Middlebury ready for postseason. (boartusk) — Lots returning, best goalie in Division III (corkscrew) — Eight starters and a deep bench return. Krieger is the best goalie in the country. Their strength is the usual for the Panthers: they are simply more athletic than any other team in D-III (i.e., Bastis, West, and Brown). Memorial Day weekend seems likely for a crazy sixth consecutive year. I wouldn't bet on them to lose the final game this season! (D-III) — Another solid team; perhaps not as strong as Salisbury. (general21111) — Lost a LOT on the offensive end, but an experienced defense returns. Question marks exist. Never count them out in May. (Keeper) — They have been there before and this is deserving of #2. Their defense is good, and they do return an experienced goalie who did give up 18 goals in the championship series. (laxie) — Five straight finals, talent for 6. (minkhoo) — They had a great year last year and will be better. Good talent, great coaching. (Richard) — Having Middlebury at number two is another easy pick; they have a great defense, a great goalie, and experience. It may be obvious but Middlebury will be competing for the championship AGAIN. (SacredLax) — Top goalie and coach in D-III. The best team play, by far, of any D-III team. Great program. Can't wait to see them against W&L in a title game one day. Will Jed's little brother pick up where he left off? (valaxfan)
Washington College: Solid defense and goalie. Can they score? (corkscrew) — A serious Championship threat. Defense to rival Salisbury’s and an experienced and disciplined midfield. Also, one of the best goalies in the country in Yost. If their young attack can produce, watch out. Salisbury gets the #1 ranking, but the Shoremen are my pick out of the South. (D-III) — Sronger than last year, but seems to have trouble winning the big one. (general21111) — Returns lots of experience and talent. A final four appearance is definitely in reach. (Keeper) — Suspect at attack; however, they know how to win. (laxie) — Best defense in D3? (minkhoo) — Great defense and goalie, good offense. (Richard) — WAC should have a big year in 2004. They are talented in all positions and return a deep and talented defense, not to mention one of the best goalies in the nation in Yost. (SacredLax) — Richard Yost will carry them wherever they go. Good nucleus returning; team to watch this year, and the War on the Shore is already shaping up to be a classic battle. (valaxfan)
Cortland: Great depth, terrific coaches, leaders at key positions. (3lax40) — Tough defense, tough kids. (corkscrew) — A tough team to figure out. They return some of the best players in the country but lost a lot of talent. In the end, they probably will not be able to replace their MVP Feltman and may not duplicate last year’s great season. Still a top-10 team, but the final four will be a stretch. (D-III) — A dark horse contender for the title. (general21111) — Could have (should have?) easily been a SSU/Cort match-up in last year's D-III final. Cortland seems to return more than Middlebury and just missing the dance by a double-overtime loss would only seem to make them hungrier than most. (Keeper) — This team has the talent to play on Memorial Day weekend. They return as much if not more offensive weapons than any team in the country. Seniors have been contributors for the past three years with three of them AA. Defense is outstanding and will protect the goal. Double overtime loss to Middlebury in the semi-final last year has them in a championship frame of mind. (laxie) — Lots of scoring returns and will lead Dragons to F4. (minkhoo) — The first seven games will be hell. The offense needs to be more flexible. (Richard) — Cortland will have another solid year. They return a lot of power on attack plus an extremely well rounded midfield. They have arguably 4 of the top D3 recruits from NYS. The obvious question is, how do you replace the 2003 goalie of the year? Defense will need to have another big year. (SacredLax) — One of the best goalies in D-III is gone, but they return a young group that can score a lot. (valaxfan)
Gettysburg: Always a tough team. (3lax40) — Will rebound from lackluster 2003 season. (corkscrew) — A down year in 2003, and they lost some significant talent. However, the Bullets young players are now battle tested. They will be a top team again if they can find a replacement in goal. (D-III) — A quality program. (general21111) — Inexperience and uncertainty at defense will hurt the Bullets. Tough first-half schedule will only make things harder. (Keeper) — Lost of goalie is big. However, offense can score. Early season test vs. Cortland will tell. (laxie) — Incredibly tough schedule; at least they can play some at home this year. (minkhoo) — They move the ball well on attack. Strong middies and defense will miss last year's goalie. (Richard) — Gettysburg's problem this year will be getting past the fact that they lost 2 key close defensemen and a goalie that has consistently been one of the best in the nation. It will be tough, but Gettysburg is a solid program and will get over it. (SacredLax) — Attack should be solid. Question marks at defense and goalie with Tim McGinnis gone to MD. Great new turf field and venue to watch a game. (valaxfan)
Whittier: Not sold on this team as a top 10 team yet. (3lax40) — This year's team will be less talented but a better one than last year's squad. Take it to the bank. (beachbum) — Too many losses to replace but still a solid team. (corkscrew) — Five best players are gone from a thin team. Take a look at their remaining roster; NO WAY they are a top-10 team this season. Sinking ship. (D-III) — Lost some key players; rebuilding. (general21111) — Huge graduation losses leave many question marks. Weak first-half schedule will offer some relief and time to consolidate. (Keeper) — Too much talent lost from last year. A more competitive schedule will be a telling sign for the Poets. (laxie) — Always hard to figure this team until they come East. Four tough tests in one week in late March. (minkhoo) — They still have scheduling problems. Their offense won't be as potent as last year's. (Richard) — Whittier had a good season last year and won some big games. But they have lost a lot, and it will be interesting to see if they can have the same success. There can be no complaints about there 2004 schedule. They play some tough teams, including SU, OWU, Lynchburg, EConn, Tufts ... (SacredLax) — Great year for the Poets. Can they do it again with their returning class? Questions on their freshmen class. (valaxfan)
Hampden-Sydney: Veteran team. (3lax40) — Many, many losses but good goalie and face-off man return. (corkscrew) — Doubtful that they will be a legitimate Championship threat. They lost way too much, and it will expose weaknesses. However, they are still going to be tough team to play. ODAC #3. (D-III) — Lost some of last year's leaders but still strong. (general21111) — Loss of 4 AA's will hurt, but 11 returning seniors should compensate. The Tigers are hungry and determined to take it to the next level. (Keeper) — Eleven returning seniors will keep the Tigers sharp. (laxie) — Lots of graduation losses, but the talent cupboard is far from bare. (minkhoo) — #3 in the ODAC this year. They return a good goalie but lost their best player at every other position. They will control the ball well as they have the best face-off group in D-III. (Richard) — Super goalie and key players return, but they lost one of the top senior classes from last year. Who will be their leader? (valaxfan)
Lynchburg: Up and coming team. (3lax40) — Best attack in Div. III, but who will get them the ball? (corkscrew) — Great attack, no question, but who is going to get them the ball? Lost almost all significant midfielders. ODAC #2. (D-III) — Great attack, but questions at midfield. A program on the rise. (general21111) — Lynchburg returns a lot of talent and could be the dark horse in this year's race. (Keeper) — Attack is outstanding; however, midfield is young. The Hornets will sting offensively. (laxie) — Great attack, need new faces to step up at midfield. (minkhoo) — Will score in bunches with possibly the best attack in D-III. They will also give up scores in bunches, as their defense will be an untested one. (Richard) — Top attack in D-III to lead the Hornets. ?? on middie and defense. (valaxfan)
Nazareth: A lot of veterans have much to prove. (3lax40) — Young team last year with lots back. (corkscrew) — Seven returning starters and a deep bench. This team can make a legitimate claim as the best in New York this season. Struggled in the NCAA tournament against Middlebury, but hopefully gained the necessary experience in that game. (D-III) — Good depth, potential to be ranked higher if they perform. (general21111) — 31 returning players sums it up. This team should be loaded, and high expectations are fully warranted. (Keeper) — Naz will fly with the number of players returning from last year, but how far depends on success in the early season. (laxie) — Geared up for a run through the E8. (minkhoo) — A surprising team last year. They will miss some front line middies. They return players who will benefit from last year's experience. (Richard) — Nazareth will be good in 2004; they return a lot of players from a team which had a very respectable 2003 season. Now with Justin Wahl back, after missing most of last season with injury, Naz has even more power than last year. (SacredLax) — Lost 3 top scoring middies but return good group. Never count this team out despite the lopsided loss to end the season last year. (valaxfan)
Ithaca: Good attack and face-off. (3lax40) — Lots of losses but still solid club. (corkscrew) — Along with Whittier and H-S, the team hurt most by graduation. Could be a rough year; need inexperienced guys to step up against a solid conference schedule. (D-III) — Another solid team, but lacking some depth? (general21111) — Loss of 4 AA's will hurt. Question is whether the Bombers have the depth to replace that kind of loss. (Keeper) — They are always in the mix. The Bombers will be successful in a competitive conference this year, and this will prepare them for success in the post season. (laxie) — Two OT losses kept the Bombers out of the NCAAs. Looking for a little revenge. (minkhoo) — Too many holes to be filled this year. They might find themselves fighting for fourth place in E8. (Richard) — The problem that Ithaca will have this season is replacing the heart of their team, Dennis Juleff. He has been there go-to guy at the midfield for the past couple of years. Along with that is their lack of experience all across the field. Depending on how Coach Long gets the team past these two bumps will determine how Ithaca does this year. (SacredLax) — Lost 2 key attackmen who were in the top 5 of scoring. Question mark could be their goalie play with the departure of Ryan Martin. (valaxfan)
Washington & Lee: Good defense. (3lax40) — Very good defense, but offense is ineffective, inept, and boring. (corkscrew) — D-III lacrosse’s cardiac kids, they won 3 one-goal games and lost 4 one-goal games. Ranking the ODAC this year is tough; each team lost significant talent, and finding a top-5 team in the group is unlikely. On a hunch, W&L will be the top dog this year and could have an impact in the NCAA’s. (D-III) — Needs to find the "O" from 2002. Was the problem last year injuries or other issues? Could be ranked in the top 4 if the offense returns. (general21111) — Offense still has question marks, but defense looks solid. (Keeper) — Offense is still suspect for the Generals. However, defense is solid. Washington and Gettysburg back to back will tell. (laxie) — Need to figure out how to score. (minkhoo) — Great defense. In order to compete for the top they need to find an attack. (Richard) — Defense should be a key. They should have the 2nd best goalie tandem in the nation with Sanders and Lalli, but will that be enough if their offense does not produce? Team should be faster and bigger than year's. Fall and early winter injuries could slow down their development. (valaxfan)
Franklin & Marshall: Tough defense. (3lax40) — Lots back and weak schedule help. (corkscrew) — Tough call; they return a lot of talent, but can they handle the loss of their 3 best players? They will probably end up around the same place as 2003. One thing is for sure, Salisbury proved that the Dips are not a Championship contender with a 26-8 drubbing. (D-III) — A solid program on the rise in a tough conference. (general21111) — Offensive losses will pose problems until new offense can establish itself. (Keeper) — A suspect schedule early will keep the Dips here. (laxie) — Great run in '03. Can they repeat? (minkhoo) — They have a very aggressive defense and are well coached. (Richard) — Surprise team of 2003 returns solid defense but lost many good middies. Jon Singer will be missed. (valaxfan)
Hamilton: Plays tough. (3lax40) — McCabe's Continentals are building year by year. (boartusk) — Cinderella story last year with weak schedule, now the target is on their backs. (corkscrew) — Another program on the rise. (general21111) — Return of Mleczko is huge and turns the Continentals into playoff contenders once again. (Keeper) — The return of their goalie elevates this team. However, can they make up for offense lost from last year? (laxie) — Continentals will miss Silverio. (minkhoo) — Have talent at all positions and good coaching. They will be a team to be reckoned with for years to come. (Richard) — Hamilton's strength this year will be on defense. They have a big aggressive defense with an aggressive goalie who likes to make the save and get the ball up field right away, which in turn will create opportunity for the offense. (SacredLax) — Ended the year with a tough loss to Cortland State. Lost one of the best attackmen in a while in Matt Siverio, a lot of points to be replaced. Goal play will be key to helping defense return this team to the top 20. Can they repeat last year's performance? W&L connection at coach; we wish him well. (valaxfan)
Ohio Wesleyan: Always solid and tough to beat. (corkscrew) — The NCAC has been down for a few years now; expect that trend to continue. OWU does have some talent but is too young to be a serious threat. (D-III) — How strong is the NCAC? (general21111) — Loss of 3 AA's will hurt, but an improving attack and solid D could surprise a lot of folks. Big match-up in week one versus Lynchburg will be big indicator. (Keeper) — Although young, the Bishops have enough talent to move up in the rankings. Salisbury will be a test early. (laxie) — Bishops took advantage of NCAA pool structure to get in tourney in 2003. Tougher schedule in 2004 may have them better prepared. (minkhoo) — Lost 3 of the top 5 scoring but still have Schlegal returning at attack (who I'm told has Matt Dugan like stick skills, maybe better). Most of defense is returning; must win the bigger games when they need too. (valaxfan)
Rensselaer: In a year with plenty of teams having a lot of questions, 9 returning starters equals a high preseason ranking. Seven returnees received All-UCAA honors in ’03! Need to learn to win the big game, though, and find a replacement in goal. (D-III) — Could end the year 5 places higher. (general21111) — Quietly, RPI is building a very solid program in Troy and could start making noise very quickly in '04. (Keeper) — If goalie can be replaced, the Redhawks will be solid with nine starters returning. (laxie) — Will be right in the middle of the Upstate dogfight. (minkhoo) — A surprise team last year with just about everybody returning. They could make a run at the top ten this year. (Richard) — Some big wins in Tom Korrie's first year. Can their defense take them one step further into the NCAAs and not the UCAAs? (valaxfan)
Roanoke: Depth in midfield, transfer goalie who will impress, better D. (corkscrew) — IF Davis is healthy, the most balanced team in the ODAC. (general21111) — Roanoke lost few key players to graduation but did lose the program's all-time leading scorer, and he will be hard to replace. Early season games vs. Bowdoin, RPI, and St. Lawrence should help answer questions of depth. (Keeper) — If Davis gets back soon enough, he will have to face the #1 defenders and will miss Bonasera. There is talent at midfield. The defense and goal will have to be reworked. (Richard) — I have a tough time ranking Roanoke high. Each year everyone, including myself, puts Roanoke near the top, and each year they don't seem to live up to the hype. They are definitely a top 20 team, but a lower top 20 team. (SacredLax) — Will Kris Davis overcome the wet gym floor and lead his team? D1 goalie transfer could be the key to replacing Tim Morse, who had his best year last year. Lost key assistant coach. Does it matter? (valaxfan)
Tufts: Have to play Middlebury, Wesleyan, and Connecticut College on the road. (boartusk) — Are they ready to take the next step? One of the best offenses in the country (especially their attack) but a few question marks at close defense. Solid coach. Whittier game will tell all. (D-III) — Could be a breakout year. (general21111) — Eight of the top 10 scorers returning makes for optimism at Tufts this spring. A typically tough NESCAC schedule that also includes Whittier this year will give an early indication of just how good the '04 Jumbos will be. (Keeper) — Tufts is the one team that can challenge Middlebury in conference. Their first test will be Middlebury in mid season. A win here will be jumbo! (laxie) — Second best in the tough NESCAC. (minkhoo) — Will fight a strong group for the NESCAC second spot. I suspect that by the end of the year they will give Middlebury a good fight for the tourney championship. (Richard) — Return most their scoring punch, but playing the best conference in D-III is always difficult. Somebody has to win and lose. (valaxfan)
St. Lawrence: Once again this team is being overlooked. Dolan and Moore are great combo in the midfield, Loftus and Bromell are two top poles. If their new goalie steps up they will be tough. (D-III) — Team does not get the attention it deserves. (general21111) — Replacing a 3-time AA goalie is tough for any program - the Saints will be no exception. (Keeper) — Road warriors: only 4 home games. (minkhoo) — Will have to find some defensemen and a goalie. There is enough returning though for them to make a strong run for the UCAA top spot. (Richard) — The Saints return five of their top scorers from last year, so they have some scoring power. There biggest problem will be replacing one of last seasons top D3 goalies. They have a big game against Naz early in the season and just like last year (their win against Cortland) this game can make their season a success early on. (SacredLax) — Return majority of scoring punch; could be a break out year for Coach Mahoney. (valaxfan)
Springfield: Experience at midfield. (3lax40) — Everybody returns on a solid team. (corkscrew) — The Pride is going to be the surprise team of the year; few realize that they have the talent and experience to challenge for the Championship. Eight starters and their entire bench return, and a few key returnees from ’02 who missed last season are back. Their biggest problem is their schedule; they may have aimed too high with 3 of the top 5 teams (Middlebury, WAC, and Cortland). Watch out! (D-III) — Pride in their program will make them a top 20 team. (laxie) — Tough early schedule will have Pride ready to run the table in the Pilgrim. (minkhoo) — A very young team last year that came on strong. They have a very potent offense. (Richard) — Could be the second best in their conference. Return an offense that was young last year; could only be better this year. (valaxfan)
McDaniel: Weak schedule helped in 2003, will help again. (corkscrew) — Could struggle this year, lack depth. However, they have a top attackman (Weaver), midfielder (Shaffer), and long pole (Hanlon) to still make them a solid team. (D-III) — Loss of key players at almost every position should make this year's Green Terror a bit less terrorizing. (Keeper) — Green Terror not yet at premier level in Centennial. (minkhoo)
Geneseo: Each year they seem to improve a little. (3lax40) — A hunch. They will be strong, but Cortland still reigns in the SUNYAC. (D-III) — Solid team; could end up considerably higher. (general21111) — It is about time for this team to make a move. A more competitive schedule will prepare them for Cortland. (laxie) — Good team, but can they realistically challenge Cortland in SUNYAC? (minkhoo) — This team will give Cortland a run for their money. Last year's ECAC Upstate champs return everyone and are hungry. (Richard) — Geneseo is returning a lot this year. They lose one starter from a team that won the ECAC tournament. Is this the year they beat Cortland and come out of the SUNYAC? It won't be easy, but I think this team has some potential this year. (SacredLax)
Amherst: May challenge Middlebury in the NESCAC. (corkscrew) — Suffers from comparison to Middlebury. (general21111) — My pick for this year's sleeper (along with Lynchburg). The Lord Jeffs return a lot of experience and seem poised to make their move in '04. (Keeper)
Wesleyan: 3rd best offense in NESCAC is all back. (boartusk) — Have two potential All-American poles and a very strong midfield. Benefit from a weak out-of-conference schedule and should go into the Middlebury game with a 7-0 record! (D-III)
St. Mary's College: Will be the surprise team of 2004. (corkscrew)
Clarkson: Once again a senior-dominated team. A dog fight between Hamilton and the Knights for the conference. Early test against Cortland will say a lot. (laxie) — The #20 team could go to several teams but these guys have a great goalie. (Richard)
RIT: A sleeping giant or a tiger with sharp teeth? A lot of returning players. (laxie)
Virginia Wesleyan: Young team last year that should have beaten Washington & Lee in 2003. (corkscrew)
Stevens: Could be the surprise team in D-III. Hard nosed group. (valaxfan)
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