|
| LaxPower MD1 Forum Poll #12 May 27, 2009 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Team | Past Week | Pts. | 1st | Prev. |
| 1 | Syracuse (16-2) | W Duke 17-7, W Cornell 10-9 | 380 | 19 | 1 |
| 2 | Cornell (13-4) | W Virginia 15-6, L Syracuse 9-10 | 361 | 6 | |
| 3 | Duke (15-4) | L Syracuse 7-17 | 334 | 2 | |
| 4 | Virginia (15-3) | L Cornell 6-15 | 321 | 5 | |
| 5 | Princeton (13-3) | 302 | 4 | ||
| 6 | North Carolina (12-6) | 283 | 7 | ||
| 7 | Johns Hopkins (10-5) | 268 | 8 | ||
| 8 | Maryland (10-7) | 223 | 14 | ||
| 9 | Brown (12-4) | 219 | 9 | ||
| 10t | UMBC (12-4) | 201 | 11 | ||
| 10t | Notre Dame (15-1) | 201 | 3 | ||
| 12 | Hofstra (11-4) | 178 | 10 | ||
| 13t | Navy (11-5) | 132 | 13 | ||
| 13t | Loyola (9-5) | 132 | 12 | ||
| 15 | Massachusetts (9-6) | 130 | 15 | ||
| 16 | Harvard (8-5) | 73 | 17 | ||
| 17 | Bucknell (9-7) | 58 | 18 | ||
| 18t | Penn State (9-5) | 55 | 20 | ||
| 18t | Georgetown (7-7) | 55 | 16 | ||
| 20 | Villanova (11-6) | 35 | NR | ||
| Others receiving votes: Colgate (31), Siena (9), Stony Brook (6), Hobart (3) | |||||
Number of voters: 19 (Apache, Baldo, HU34, imp, jhu7276, Ketch, LAF, Lax Fidelis, Lax Genius, molo, OCanada, Paesan33, randyrad, Red_LaxFan77, sore+old, Strannywastheman, Tecumseh, VTD, whollymoly) Pollsters' Comments About Teams They Ranked Syracuse: It ain't over til its over - National Champs again. (Baldo) — Champs were almost chumps for 55 minutes,but pulled it out in overtime ... amazing comeback ... another notch on the belt for the CNY "Empire" and Darth Desko ... lacrosse gods again smile down on them ... automatic #1 next year too. (jhu7276) — This team will become legend. 25 years from now we'll be watching a Memorial Day special about the 2009 Championship Game. (Ketch) — 1. Two comfortable wins got Syracuse back to the FF weekend, an event that by now feels like a birthright to the Orange Nation. Utter destruction of Duke was followed by a great, if improbable, comeback win over Cornell aided in no small part by Lady Luck and some late-game questionable decisions by Big Red. The Orange are on top once again. (Lax Fidelis) — #1 - The Orange end the season in the same place I had them in the pre-season. They were very convincing throughout the tournament until the final, when they invoked Al Davis's motto of "Just win baby" and willed themselves to a thrilling come from behind victory. (Lax Genius) — Unbeatable on Memorial Day. (molo) — #1. Ranked in the top 4 all year, they pulled it out against Cornell and became the first team to repeat in more than 10 years. (OCanada) — (P33 #1) - I have to admit, I did pick them to win this. (Paesan33) — Syracuse is a team that some questioned had the tools to repeat, but they showed toughness all season and especially on Monday. Congratulations! (Red_LaxFan77) — #1-Managed to stay under the radar for most of the season, quietly crushing the schedule. Did whatever they wanted to. Duke had no answers. Too many superior athletes. The finish against Cornell-spectacular. Clearly the best. (Strannywastheman) — Must love Foxboro. A stellar comeback! On top to stay until next May! Number #1. (Tecumseh) — #1 - Incredible grittiness to come back and win at the end. They will miss this senior class dearly but there are multiple parts here for the future. (VTD) — #1. Piece of cake. Never in doubt. Gulp. Right. 'Cuse did what 'Cuse does to win 'nother one against a Cornell team which way, way did deserve to be there too. MDF (Most Dramatic Finish) from Orange perspective since that '83 title rally against Hopkins - the '83 rally being more sustained, but with fewer backwards-over-the-head passes with seconds remaining. Deserving Cody Jamieson was POG for my money, but there were a lot of stars, and, as Quint astutely pointed out, so many play makers. Jamieson is scary good and survived his trials well. Congrats all. (whollymoly) Cornell: Valiant effort in defeat. (Baldo) — Came within a few seconds of the title ... oh, so so close ... played GREAT team ball in the playoffs. Cornell and Cuse were clearly a cut above everyone else this year ... my hat's off to the Red! (jhu7276) — Stalling- Not good for airplanes or for teams playing Syracuse in lacrosse. (Ketch) — +3 to #2. Big Red eased past Hofstra at home and then again choked off Princeton's offense. Sent the star-laden Cavaliers back to Hooville wondering what in the world happened, as CU dominated every facet of the game. 59:40 of a great game plan collapses in panic and results in an OT loss in the final. Glynn was simply terrific in the final. He did everything but sell soft drinks. Why wasn't he given the ball, with Seibald nearby for an outlet, for that final clear??? (Lax Fidelis) — #2 - Superbly coached and highly motivated, this sentimental favorite came as close to winning a national championship as a team can without actually doing so. A class act in all respects, from the coaches to the captains, to the parents, to the pep band. (Lax Genius) — Best Ivy League team in a strong year for the Ivies. (molo) — #2 Tantalizingly close to winning their first title in more than 30 years. Lost decision making ability, probably due to fatigue and some bad game management, as time ran out. Depth and experience are so important. Also, the bounce of the ball went the Orange way at the end. So incredibly close to a title. (OCanada) — (P33 #2) - Oh, did I want Cornell to have this. The most unfortunate part is how much talent they graduate; it will be difficult to bounce back in a fashion that would top 2009. (Paesan33) — The Big Red were oh so close to their 30+ year quest. Cornell struggled with a series of injuries that would have sidelined a lesser team. Virtually no one predicted their team performance this year and they played like a championship team on Memorial Day, but were just short of winning it. Thanks, seniors and coaches for a great year! (Red_LaxFan77) — #2-Did not see Big Red making Foxboro this year. Dominated Hoos. Game was not as close as the score. Played another smart, surgical game against Orange-for 57:00. End of game stumbles were a shame. (Strannywastheman) — Should have, could have, would have! A timeout and a Gilman clear from a national championship! (Tecumseh) — #2 - One of the best senior classes in school history almost gets them over the hump. Too bad. Lots of rebuilding to do in the off-season. (VTD) — #2. Even I have to say that Coach T. probably deserves COY. He took a very good Cornell team and crystallized them into one which could clearly outplay anyone in the country by the end of the year, simply through self-understanding and tempo control. They were able to be and do that for 57 minutes even against the Orange. Good show. (whollymoly) Duke: Yet another Final Four meltdown. (Baldo) — Here is where the questions begin ... shellacked by Cuse but have the Hoos number, so I have them at #3. (jhu7276) — Big accomplishment to get there. When are they going to win something? Thoroughly outclassed by Syracuse. (Ketch) — 4. Eviscerated Navy in the first round, edged out arch-rival UNC in the quarters, and then laid an egg big enough to feed the entire crowd at Gillette against Syracuse. Another year, another NC$$ disappointment - it's like a broken record now. (Lax Fidelis) — #3 - As outclassed by Syracuse as Virginia was by Cornell. The championship win by the Orange and the Blue Devils' two wins over Virginia earn them the three spot. (Lax Genius) — Another Final Four fiasco. (molo) — #3 Lost decisively to Cuse in the semis but were playing top 4 ball by the end of the season. Two big wins over UVa place them here. (OCanada) — (P33 #3) - Yawn. Nevertheless, a very talented team that ironically has so much trouble on F4 weekend, yet demolishes top teams every other week of the year. Puzzling. (Paesan33) — A team that lost major talent from last year and then developed into a later season juggernaut. Their loss against the Orange doesn't diminish their efforts this year. (Red_LaxFan77) — #3-After the early loss to Harvard, did anyone believe Duke would be in Foxboro? I sure didn't. Cuse handled Duke. Not even close. (Strannywastheman) — I was certain this Duke team was going to make it to the finals! Very strange end to the season. (Tecumseh) — #3 - Wins over UVa put them here to end the season. Made it back to the Final Four with some new players stepping up. Will likely be preseason #1 going into next season. (VTD) — #3. Strong team, strong season, no shame. An elite team that ran into another one which has long experience at peaking in May. Congrats to Duke. (whollymoly) Virginia: The Hoos still don't know what hit them. (Baldo) — The only team they consistently beat is JHU ... otherwise a complete and total mystery ... Dom seemed totally perplexed as Cornell dissected them. (jhu7276) — Wow, talk about not wanting it. Played softer than a roll of Charmin'. (Ketch) — +2 to #5. Absolutely annihilated over-matched Villanova in the opening round and then did the same thing to a deer-in-the-headlights Hopkins squad. Cornell ran over, around, and through the Cavalier "D" again and again in a 15-6 romp. (Lax Fidelis) — #4 - I was truly shocked by the Hoos' performance against Cornell, but I think it was much more a result of the Big Red's excellent game plan and execution than an indictment of Virginia as a team. (Lax Genius) — Coach didn't know what happened, and neither do I. (molo) — #6 Closed the final third of the season with three lopsided losses and a couple of middling wins wrapped around two decisive wins in the first rounds. Never seemed to improve over the year. (OCanada) — (P33 #4) - Hard to believe they were invincible just a week ago. And #1. Have to be dropped to #4 because Duke pasted them - twice. (Paesan33) — The Cavaliers are the most athletic group of athletes around. They didn't play as a team at critical times, but they are another program that will reload. (Red_LaxFan77) — #4-Smokin' to start season, some near stumbles, face plant, recovery, then stabbed in the alley. D was way off, offense was back in their mid-April form when they could not score. Tough way to end it. (Strannywastheman) — Got 'em #3 but am so disappointed for the seniors! Solid season. (Tecumseh) — #4 - Very weak end to the season for a team that looked unstoppable against JHU. Attack will need to be replaced for next season, but the midfield will be strong. Team defensive issues. (VTD) — #4. Congrats on an impressive season to an as-always top flight Cav team. They lose talent to graduation - but needs to, to make room for others, also as always. Good goin'. (whollymoly) Princeton: Could not figure out how to beat the Big Red. (Baldo) — No shame in two-goal loss to runner-up Cornell ... have some nice players returning. (jhu7276) — Needs to figure out a way to beat Cornell. (Ketch) — -3 to #6. Survived a bit of a scare in the opening round and then misplaced their offense against Cornell, again. Eleven goals in two games for the Tigers against Big Red, whose defense was thought to be their liability. (Lax Fidelis) — #6 - A second win over Cornell this year was a hurdle that the Tigers could not clear. (Lax Genius) — Better year than expected. (molo) — #4 Narrowly lost to Cornell in the QFs. Good balance and mix of experience. I thought they played a bad QF game but in light of later events maybe they played very well. (OCanada) — (P33 #5) - Tough to put them in front of UNC, but I think its right. Or maybe its because P33 picked PU for the F4 and not UNC, and he needs to justify the pick. (Paesan33) — The Tigers showed that they are not just a defensive powerhouse anymore. (Red_LaxFan77) — #8-Tigers are back, although graduation hits hard. (Strannywastheman) — A great run and played Cornell so tough. (Tecumseh) — #5 - Couldn't get over the hump this year, and midfield will be a serious question mark next season. Defense will have to carry the team. (VTD) — #5. Coach T. did it again this year, and in the tournament gave a by-then-almost-invincible Cornell the toughest test of anyone except Syracuse. Coach has talent on the roster, but I sometimes wonder if he even needs it. (whollymoly) North Carolina: Tough loss to Duke in the quarters, but the future looks bright for the Heels. (Baldo) — Had a nice season losing by one to Duke in the quarters ... Breschi did a nice job, and this guy Bitter is for real ... looking forward to see how they play next season. (jhu7276) — Early flame-out in the ACC funeral pyre. (Ketch) — +3 to #3. Edged out UMBC at home and then fell to Duke for the 11th straight time. The Heels played Duke tough twice this season but just couldn't get over the hump. I'm ranking them this high because they didn't exit the NC$$s on the wrong end of a rout, unlike three of the next five teams. (Lax Fidelis) — #5 - A credible tournament performance, defeating UMBC and narrowly losing to ACC rival Duke. (Lax Genius) — On their way back. (molo) — #5 Narrowly lost to Duke in their play off game. The team made great strides during the season. (OCanada) — (P33 #6) - May have done some damage given the chance. Not really sure. A nice season that on paper looks no better than recent years; however, I think we all know something special happened this year in Chapel Hill. (Paesan33) — The Tar Heels are showing real fight, and Breschi is making a difference in this program. (Red_LaxFan77) — #5-Great season for Heels. Should improve next year. Offense will fill it. Final Four in 2010 a real possibility. (Strannywastheman) — A very great season for Coach B. and the boys. Billy Bitter is the man! (Tecumseh) — #6 - Quarterfinal loss to Duke after beating a Top 10 UMBC squad. Breschi has this program back on the upswing and will likely be Top 4 to start next season. (VTD) — #8. Fun team to watch, a top D1 team. Congrats on your season, Heels. Someone please tell Billy B. to transfer to 'Cuse for me. Can't get Dome Dogs in NC, Billy. (whollymoly) Johns Hopkins: Baltimore blowout in Annapolis ... back to the drawing board for the Hop. (Baldo) — As JHU standards go, this was a bad year (five losses), especially defensively ... Coach P has to go back to the drawing board, and all spots on this team should be open for competition. (jhu7276) — Maybe next year. (Ketch) — #8. They can't be that bad, can they, and still win 10 games? The 3rd-place team from the Ivy gave Hopkins everything the Jays didn't want in a battle royale at Homewood. The Jays blew a Q4 lead yet again (3rd time in four games) but prevailed in OT. What a stinker for the Blue Jays in Annapolis! The "D" that most of us thought would be solid was all too often MIA while the offense surprisingly carried the load. Ended up about where many of us thought they might belong. Didn't lose any games in which they were the favorite; didn't win any where they were underdogs either. (Lax Fidelis) — #7 - The Blue Jays prevailed with overtime wins in two games before being dismantled by Virginia. (Lax Genius) — On life support the last three games until UVa pulled the plug. (molo) — #7 Beat a very good Brown team only to be thrashed by UVa in the QFs. (OCanada) — (P33 #7) - A nice win streak halted in the QF. Has some holes to fill on defense but also needs to improve in the cage. Returns a lot of fire power and is always, always, always battled tested and well coached. (Paesan33) — The Blue Jays had a bad game against Virginia, but they also did not exude the same talent level of previous Hopkins teams. Like the Terminator, they will be back. (Red_LaxFan77) — #6-Hop ran out of magic. Other programs in mirror may be closer than they appear. Hop D looked confused at times. (Strannywastheman) — Nuff said. So well coached all the time! (Tecumseh) — #7 - Undone by the same problems that have plagued them all season in quarterfinal disaster to UVa. Led by the offense all season, which no one expected preseason. Defense and goaltending was poor, to put it nicely - also unexpected in preseason. (VTD) — #6. No, the sky isn't falling. This was another elite Petro team, one which suffered from no more than barely half a step of (relative) slowness in foot speed this year. One can no longer get away with that at the top of D1 - unless you get a lot of breaks, which didn't happen this year for the Jays. Yes, Petro does know these things. He's on the case. Very few D1 teams can go this far and still feel something went wrong. That's your definition of Hopkins. (whollymoly) Maryland: Playoff run something to build on. (Baldo) — Played Syracuse toughest in the playoffs but still very disappointing ... Cottle under pressure. (jhu7276) — Never has so little been done with so much ... Lump them with Georgetown. (Ketch) — +2 to 11. So-so Maryland knocked the undefeated Irish out in the first round but went down without much a whimper to the Orange the following week. Set a one-season record for most losses, I believe, while winning 10 games. (Lax Fidelis) — #13 - Couldn't hang with 'Cuse. (Lax Genius) — Never realized their potential. (molo) — #15 Began the year as a top 5 team and ended the year on a sour note. MD seldom under-achieves, but they did this year. It was more than just the loss of Farrell. (OCanada) — (P33 #9) - Beat ND and deserves the credit. I'm not sure what to make of the Terps' 2009 season. But a QF appearance is most likely a success. (Paesan33) — I would have never anticipated that Maryland would be out of the semifinals this year. This team had championship ability written all over it. Maybe next year. (Red_LaxFan77) — #9-Terps were out-matched against Cuse. Coach Cottle, I'll slow it down for you: Ryan Young needs the ball much more. Yeatman needs it much less. (Strannywastheman) — The best showing of any ACC team! (Tecumseh) — #10 - Dominated undefeated Notre Dame and made it to the quarters after almost missing the tournament. A talented team that did not play to its potential. (VTD) Brown: Should make the Ivies interesting in 2010. (Baldo) — One-goal OT loss to JHU ... a nice squad that beat Cornell during the season. Tiffany doing real well with the Bears. (jhu7276) — Very impressive. Brown is the new ... (Ketch) — +1 to #9. LT seems to have Bruno back on track but he's got to find a replacement for Jordan Burke in 2010. (Lax Fidelis) — #10 - Acquitted themselves well against Hopkins in the Tournament. (Lax Genius) — Impressive first round loss capped a strong season. (molo) — #11 They gave Hopkins fits and were a close third in the Ivies. (OCanada) — (P33 #11) - Come up with one more goal and this team would be #7 at worst. Could they have beaten UVa? Maybe, given the Cuse game. (Paesan33) — The Bears proved that their tournament bid was no fluke. (Red_LaxFan77) — #7-Played a heck of a game against Hop. These guys played really well all year. Get the feeling things have changed. (Strannywastheman) — Lars T. gets my vote for Coach of the Year! (Tecumseh) — #8 - Acquitted themselves admirably in an OT loss at Homewood. Thomas Muldoon is a star in the making, and Tiffany has his kids playing with a chip on their shoulder. (VTD) UMBC: Need a face-off man. (Baldo) — Solid team ... excited about them next year. (jhu7276) — See Hofstra. (Ketch) — -1 to #10. AE winner gave it a solid go against Tar Heels in the opening round but came up short in a 15-13 loss. Props to Jeremy Blevins for four wonderful years in goal for the Banana Mutts. (Lax Fidelis) — #8 - America East champs. (Lax Genius) — Gave UNC all they wanted, but depth won out. (molo) — #8 Lost a two-goal game against UNC to close out the season. Had the most potent midfield in D-1. They were very close to beating UNC in their playoff game. (OCanada) — (P33 #8) - Gave UNC all it could handle and blew a lead. They should be proud, despite arguably falling short of expectations set by the 2007 season. (Paesan33) — Coach Zimmerman is another coach who does more with good, but many times overlooked athletes. He can never be counted out in NCAA competition. (Red_LaxFan77) — #10-Took the Heels to the edge. Losing some key players, but Zim will reload. (Strannywastheman) — A very solid season, and they should be very proud. (Tecumseh) — #9 - Close loss at UNC ends another very solid season in Catonsville. They will miss Blevins and the rest of the seniors. UMBC has some rebuilding to do next year, with the attack likely the team's biggest strength. (VTD) Notre Dame: THUD of the week. (Baldo) — They take the big hit, unfortunately ... losing to Testudo in the playoffs spoils their previously unblemished record and brings out the "soft schedule" catcalls ... but had a memorable regular season for sure. (jhu7276) — Disappointment writ large. (Ketch) — -5 to #7. Thud. Did any team do more to diminish their regular season than the Irish? That was my question on 5/10. The answer as of 5/17 was the Blue Jays. But Duke and UVa had to be added to the mix of candidates after the semis. Questions abounded as to UND's real strength with so few games against elite programs. Losing at home to a mediocre UMd squad seemed to confirm many fans' suspicions about the Irish. (Lax Fidelis) — #11 - Overrated all season based on beating up on a series of lesser teams. As I suspected it would, the tournament showed where they belong. (Lax Genius) — Need to beef up their schedule. (molo) — #12 Hard to rate the Irish because they had virtually no wins over top teams as the season wound down and played a bad game against an average MD team. (OCanada) — (P33 #10) - Had to drop them behind BC and MD. What a thud. Would Yeatman have put them over the top? I say no. Ok, that's the last time. Let's forget about that one *forever*. (Paesan33) — The Irish picked a bad time to have an off day. Good season overall. (Red_LaxFan77) — #12-Exposed for what they were - a good/very good team playing a weak schedule. D gets better, still need a finisher. (Strannywastheman) — Great players that got sold out because of a weak SOS. One and out! (Tecumseh) — #11 - Lack of SOS allowed an undefeated run despite ND having serious offensive shortcomings that were exposed by a talented MD team. (VTD) Hofstra: Late season swoon is troubling. (Baldo) — With Tierney, they have a good coach and the Pride is back. (jhu7276) — Huge disappointment against Cornell, in my book. (Ketch) — -1 to #12. Played decently at Cornell in the opening round but after losing in their conference tournament the luster of 2009 was fading. (Lax Fidelis) — #9 - Two losses to end the season, including one to Villanova to lose a chance at the CAA title, drop the Pride. (Lax Genius) — Best of the CAA. (molo) — #9 Lost to Cornell and failed to win their league. A very good second season under Tierney with some good wins. (OCanada) — (P33 #14) - Fought hard against Cornell. I thought Hofstra was questionable even getting in, but they showed up in the 1st round and proved they belonged. Cornell, after all, did have a 3-goal lead in the 4Q of the title game. (Paesan33) — The Pride were picked by most to take out Cornell in the first round, but they seemed to slump at end of the season. (Red_LaxFan77) — #11-Dutchmen played very well all year. Will be tough to replace some of the pieces. Seth Tierney is doing a heck of a job. (Strannywastheman) — A season to be proud of. (Tecumseh) — #12 - Played Cornell close in the tournament. Loss to Villanova scars what was an otherwise excellent season for the Pride. (VTD) Navy: Not a good way to end a season. (Baldo) — Not a good year for the Mids despite making the playoffs ... barely a top 15 squad. (jhu7276) — Even with the Swami-powered fan base, this team failed to leave port. (Ketch) — -3 to #15. Navy showed up in Durham for a first round game with Duke and forgot to get off the bus. Nothing more need be said. (Lax Fidelis) — #16 - Like Notre Dame, perhaps a tad overrated all season. (Lax Genius) — Gritty team still needs to find more firepower. (molo) — #14 Won their league but could get no further. (OCanada) — (P33 #15) - Just not impressive against Duke. I think maybe the tight competition of the Patriot League made some of us think it was stronger than it actually was. (Paesan33) — After a close regular season game, always dangerous Navy has an off day in the tournament. (Red_LaxFan77) — #14-Mids always give it all, getting the most of what they have. Richie Meade is a tremendously underrated coach. (Strannywastheman) — Need to get some of the young kids on the field next season. Had some "soft" players who didn't step up in Durham. Still the best place in the country to watch a game. (Tecumseh) — #14 - Blown out by heavy favorite Duke was no surprise. Mids could not compete with the big dogs this season, except for MD, whom they beat every year. (VTD) Loyola: Need to find a way to get a quality win. (Baldo) — Deserved a post-season berth this year IMHO ... but it was not meant to be. (jhu7276) — A tournament team, to be sure. They just didn't get it done. (Ketch) — +1 to #13. Tough 2nd-place ECAC squad that never got that signature win to gain entry to the Big Dance. Blowing that Q4 lead over eventual national champion Syracuse really haunted the 'Hounds. (Lax Fidelis) — #12 - Coulda, woulda, shoulda. One more goal against Hopkins or if Hofstra doesn't choke in the CAA tournament, they're in the dance and then, who knows? (Lax Genius) — Near misses were the difference between a respectable and a very good season. (molo) — #10 I thought the Hounds should have been in the tourney. (OCanada) — (P33 #13) - I actually have LC higher than some NCAA teams, because I think they were that good. Turn a close loss against UMass, and you have a bid. (Paesan33) — #15-Hounds had a solid season and will score in bunches next year. NCAA bid should happen. (Strannywastheman) — Should have made the "16" IMHO! (Tecumseh) — #13 - Missed the tournament but was likely better than a bunch of the teams that made it. However, no one to blame but themselves for not getting the job done once in their numerous chances against Top 10 competition. (VTD) Massachusetts: Have to learn to stay out of the penalty box. (Baldo) — Mediocre year, and not even Doc could make a huge difference this year. (jhu7276) — Thug lax lives. And these guys represented the ECAC. (Ketch) — +1 to #14. Edged Rutgers in OT to clinch an NC$$ berth. Dug themselves too deep a hole against Princeton and then sealed their fate by taking penalties to stall their comeback. (Lax Fidelis) — #17 - ECAC champs, dumped by Princeton in the tournament. (Lax Genius) — Rebounded after tumultuous season. (molo) — #13 Lost to Princeton to close out the season. Bad decision making and a slow start in the game cost them. Another team that improved over the season. (OCanada) — (P33 #12) - Despite a pretty standard resume during the regular season, these guys pulled off a 6-1 record in the top heavy ECAC. Very difficult to do. And showed up to play against PU. Can't ever count Cannella out. (Paesan33) — A physical and talented team that should be a presence again in 2010. (Red_LaxFan77) — #13-Doc kept them in a lot of games - he'll be tough to replace. Next year may be a struggle. (Strannywastheman) — Great job winning the ECAC. (Tecumseh) — #15 - Huge departing senior class, anchored by the incredible Doc. Will likely struggle in the CAA next season as they rebuild. (VTD) Harvard: Another up-and-coming Ivy program. (Baldo) — Really liked them this year ... "the cause" is found and looking for big things for them next year. (jhu7276) — Watch out for next year. (Ketch) — -2 to #21. Some advancement in 2009 but more needed to reach the elite level in the Ivy League. (Lax Fidelis) — Best team not to make the tournament. (molo) — #16 Served notice that under their new coach they are going to become a challenger for best in the Ivy league. (OCanada) — (P33 #16) - Looking back at Harvard's record, especially close losses, this team was downright good this year. Perhaps I should have them in front of Navy, especially considering how strong I think the Ivy was and how average I think the Patriot was. (Paesan33) — #18-Strong start, but cooled. Recruits look good - especially D. Cappellini is a stopper. (Strannywastheman) — The program has turned the corner! (Tecumseh) — #18 - Tillman has the Harvard program on the road to back to being highly competitive. They will likely challenge for the Ivy crown next season as another major recruiting class comes in. (VTD) Bucknell: Nice season. (Baldo) — Nice team ... we shall see how it goes next year. (jhu7276) — My vote for 2009 Lazarus Team. These guys were out early, but came back. (Ketch) — 16. No games played. (Lax Fidelis) — #18 - Didn't play since the last poll and no one below them did anything to move past them, so they stay at 18. (Lax Genius) — Could be a dark horse next year. (molo) — #19 Lost to Navy to close out their year. (OCanada) — (P33 #20) - No real earth-shattering wins, but a solid season and a perfect record in the Patriot, which is always difficult. Oh, that's not counting the Patriot tourney, unfortunately. (Paesan33) — #16-Bison played well this year. Have some young guns that should get better. (Strannywastheman) — #20 - Disappointing loss to Navy in the Patriot League final to end the season. The Bison return a lot of talent for next year. (VTD) Penn State: Move to the Colonial may help. (Baldo) — Finished strong ... now if they can only START strong next year. (jhu7276) — Good team. Needed to start playing from the beginning of the season. (Ketch) — +3 to #17. Quietly turned around another dreadful start to finish at 9-5 after edging the Hoyas in 2 OT for their 6th straight win. (Lax Fidelis) — #14 - A slow start to the season haunts the Lions again. (Lax Genius) — Ended the year on the upswing. (molo) — #18 Beat GT ... again ... to end a disappointing year. (OCanada) — (P33 #17) - Finished the season STRONG. Only really one bad loss, when you analyze it. A lot of talent returning, and a lot rests on Rastivo picking up where Adams leaves off. Kind of a nice surprise this season to see them land at 17. (Paesan33) — #19-Played well at end of season - as usual. Early games count too. (Strannywastheman) — #16 - Rebounded from some early season clunkers to finish 9-5 with a lot of young talent leading the way. (VTD) Georgetown: Blow this baby up and start over. (Baldo) — Very, very disappointing year ... something needs to be scrutinized on M Street and perhaps changes made ... NO OFFENSE. (jhu7276) — If you want to chant "overrated," now is your chance. (Ketch) — -1 to #18. 2 OT loss to Penn State puts a fitting end on a very disappointing 7-7 season for the Hoyas. 2nd year in a row without NC$$ berth. (Lax Fidelis) — #15 - Another tough loss, this time in overtime to PSU, ends the second successive frustrating season for the Hoyas. (Lax Genius) — #20 Lost to PSU ... again ... to end a very disappointing season. (OCanada) — (P33 #18) - 5th place in the ECAC? Gotta improve. (Paesan33) — #22-Unless there are some significant changes to the offense, this could be a circling the drain situation. Difficult to be optimistic. (Strannywastheman) — What is going on in our nation's capital? (Tecumseh) — #17 - Schizophrenic season for the Hoyas, who have missed the NCAAs two years in a row now. Serious institutional changes are needed in DC right now. (VTD) Villanova: Surprise sleeper team of the tourney. (Baldo) — Made playoffs but UVa'd immediately out. (jhu7276) — +1 to #20. Props to the Wildcats for turning the tables just a few days later and winning on Hofstra's home field and then winning the Colonial title at Towson. First NC$$ berth earned them a trip to Hooville - no contest as UVa torched them early and often. (Lax Fidelis) — Ran into a buzz saw after capturing the AQ. (molo) — (P33 #21) - Pulls off some tournament heroics and gets a ticket to the dance. Ok, they lost to UVa. They also beat Hofstra and Towson on the road, which was largely unexpected. (Paesan33) — #20-Nova had a big year-Hofstra win was huge. Big East will help, but could be a tough first year. (Strannywastheman) — A great season was had by the Wildcats. (Tecumseh) — #19 - Beat Hofstra and snuck into the NCAA tournament. Good turnaround season for the Wildcats. It is nice to see them competitive. I always thought their location in suburban Philly made them an excellent potential draw for lacrosse talent. (VTD) Colgate: Where is Shirley? (jhu7276) — Will Colgate be able to remain strong after the departure of this senior class? (Ketch) — 18. Finished at 9-6 with losses in their last three games; the last one a 6-goal defeat at the hands of Syracuse. (Lax Fidelis) — #20 - The Raiders still can't get over the hump in spite of some impressive results over the last few years. (Lax Genius) — #17 Lost to Cuse to end their season and a fine career for Corp. (OCanada) — (P33 #22) - A few solid wins. A few close losses. Gonna be tough to fill some holes on offense. (Paesan33) — #17-Tough way to end season, but Gate remains a tough out. Corp loss is considerable, but don't count them out for next year. (Strannywastheman) — #21 - Not the finish to the careers of Corp and Collelouri that most expected. (VTD) Siena: Of course they didn't win, but I was very impressed by this bunch in their game against SU. (Ketch) — AQ acquitted themselves well against the eventual NC. (molo) — (P33 #23) - Perfect in the MAAC and a tourney appearance. Ten-game winning streak at one point, from March to May. (Paesan33) — The Saints were tougher than most had expected. Another improving program. (Red_LaxFan77) — #21-Saints gave it a go, but clearly out-gunned by Cuse. Nice year. (Strannywastheman) — Played 'Cuse so tough! Good season, fellas! (Tecumseh) Stony Brook: (P33 #19) - Late season surge. Pulls off back to back wins against perennial thorn-in-side UalbanY, only to fall hard in Baltimore against the Corn Dogs. (Paesan33) — #23-Seawolves finished strong. Seem to be trending the right way. (Strannywastheman) — #22 - Came on strong to end the season; will be a force in the AE next year as their young guys become upperclassmen. (VTD) Hobart: 8-7 losers to the mighty, almost champion Big Red in the season final. Most of the team returns next year. (Ketch) — #19 - The Statesmen stay put by shutting out the eventual national finalists for an entire half (yes, the same team that hung 15 goals on Virginia). (Lax Genius) — #23 - Found their goalie and a lot to build on for next year. (VTD) Other Teams Pollsters Considered (and comments, if any) Ohio State: Their football team will be better next year than the lacrosse team, and that's about all I can say. (jhu7276) — (P33 #25) - A few nice wins. (Paesan33) Albany: The Great Dane pups will be ready to go next year. (Ketch) — (P33 #24) - Beat two tourney teams, showed up against Cuse. (Paesan33) — #24-Danes should be improved next year. (Strannywastheman) — #25 - Disappointing finish considering the talent on this team. (VTD) Army: Bryant: #25-Great D1 debut. Anyone that looks past these guys next year is making a mistake. (Strannywastheman) Fairfield: #24 - Finished 3rd in the tumultuous ECAC this season. Only ugly blip is the creaming by Yale. (VTD) Towson: | |||||
Sponsored Links