|
|
LaxPower WD1 Forum Poll #11
April 28, 2008
|
|---|
| Rank | Team | Points | 1st | Previous |
|---|
| 1 | Penn | 367 | 12 | 4t | | 2 | Northwestern | 363 | 6 | 1 | | 3 | Virginia | 336 | | 4t | | 4 | Maryland | 323 | | 2 | | 5 | Syracuse | 321 | 1 | 3 | | 6 | Princeton | 267 | | 6 | | 7 | Georgetown | 245 | | 8 | | 8 | Vanderbilt | 241 | | 7 | | 9 | Boston University | 239 | | 9 | | 10 | North Carolina | 207 | | 10 | | 11 | Duke | 195 | | 12 | | 12 | Notre Dame | 187 | | 11 | | 13 | George Mason | 123 | | 13 | | 14 | New Hampshire | 121 | | 14 | | 15 | Cornell | 106 | | 15 | | 16 | Johns Hopkins | 88 | | 17 | | 17 | Yale | 75 | | 16 | | 18 | Denver | 63 | | 19 | | 19 | Towson | 42 | | 18 | | 20 | William & Mary | 32 | | 20 | | Others receiving votes: Stanford (13), Dartmouth (9), James Madison (7), Oregon (6), Boston College (5), Temple (4), Massachusetts (2), Delaware (2), Penn State (1) |
Number of voters: 19 (draw18, eshea3, johnnyboy, jojolax, LAF1, Laxword, Lionwatcher, Lucky Laxer, midatlfan, Mike Fekula, mytwokeepers, novaglax, pweissman, Seinfeld, socrlaxdad, ums, UnderArmourOdor, Unibrow, WLaxinator)
Pollsters' Comments About Teams They Ranked
Penn: So the Quakers rose to the occasion. Not surprising for as talented as this team is. Penn has a solid team from top to bottom, and the defense needs to be commended. If there is any question that this team is for real, they answered them on Sunday. (draw18) — Congrats to the #1 Quakers. Nice to see a team with their defense leading the way. (johnnyboy) — Penn's seven senior starters lead Quakers to convincing win over Cats in total team effort. Cannot overlook a good Temple team next week. Eleven straight wins and peaking at right time. (jojolax) — The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. Seven unanswered second-half goals propel Penn over previously undefeated Northwestern in the biggest win in Penn history. Don't celebrate too much and forget about A-10 winner Temple this week. (Laxword) — Had them at #3 last week. They beat #1, and #2 lost, so they move to the top of the heap. Dominated the dominatrix during the second half and should have locked up a top 4 seed and maybe the #1 seed. (Lionwatcher) — You beat #1, you get my #1. Congrats! The Quakers are rolling! (Lucky Laxer) — I am not sure what is more impressive: that Penn actually won, that they did it by a solid 4-point margin, or that they shut out Northwestern in the second half? Has anyone played that kind of D against the Wildcats in the past three years? (Mike Fekula) — I haven't been a believer, but the Quakers earned #1 on the field. (mytwokeepers) — Quakers pulled off the biggest win in program history ... next they'll face Temple while awaiting the NCAA selection committee's take on the value of that win. They should be a top 4 seed. (socrlaxdad) — Second big game of weekend as Penn welcomes back NU to the scene of the crime during the NCAA semis; this time purple body count is the result. (UnderArmourOdor)
Northwestern: The 'Cats no longer have the pressure of an undefeated season. Still, the body of work of this team keeps them at the top spot, and they are still the team to beat. This is too talented an offense to be kept down. (draw18) — The Cats were playing so many (for them anyway) close games, that the loss to Penn is not so surprising. Drop to #2 behind Penn. (johnnyboy) — Cats will rebound from Penn loss in ALC tournament. People forget this is a young team with only two senior starters. The loss will help prepare for the NCAA tournament. (jojolax) — And then there were none. Wildcats had so many close calls this year that it finally caught up with them in an uncharacteristic second half fold against Penn. Shades of Maryland this week. On to the ALC tournament and a potential rematch in the NCAAs. (Laxword) — Ambushed North. Last week uninspired and won; this week uninspired and lost. Need to regroup and find the fire. Question for the Cats is "how bad do you want it?" (Lionwatcher) — Toppled, but for how long? Would not want to be in Evanston this week. (Lucky Laxer) — Well, it had to happen sometime. Whatever is to be learned from this, better the 'Cats learn it in April rather than next month. (Mike Fekula) — Falls to #2, but we will see them in the final four. (mytwokeepers) — Still believe they are the best. (novaglax) — One loss doesn't ruin the season (unless you're the NE Patriots) - see the 2007 'Cats. Look for the Wildcats to repeat as NCAA champs regardless of their seeding. (socrlaxdad) — Imperial Purple Troopers meet determined rebel resistance at Planet Franklin. There is a huge ripple in the force! (UnderArmourOdor) — Northwestern finally joins all the other teams with losses, just like Penn. Still my number 1. (WLaxinator)
Virginia: The Comeback Cavaliers did it twice this weekend, and both rallies were against quality teams. That says a lot about the character of Virginia, which bodes well heading into the tournament. Claire Bordley deserves a lot more recognition than she gets. (draw18) — UVa making their move at the right time to my #3. (johnnyboy) — Defense lead by McBrearty and Bordley secures another ACC championship against a great Terp team. Will probably see Terps again. (jojolax) — 10-9 is the magic number, as Hoos knock off Duke and then Maryland in OT to take the ACC. Season is over so 14-3 UVa must wait for their seed. (Laxword) — Seems like they have recovered and maybe in time for a top 4 seed. Could they get the Terps for a third time in the second round? (Lionwatcher) — The Cavaliers took the Southern Hospitality to the extreme by graciously giving handsome half-time leads to both Duke and MD. Fortunately, etiquette only goes so far! Just too much to fit in here, Wa Hoo Wa!!! (Lucky Laxer) — Virginia's win over Maryland in the ACC title game came at the end of a gauntlet, winning three of their last five games by one point and avenging an earlier loss in College Park. (Mike Fekula) — Rises to #3. (mytwokeepers) — Great win over Maryland. (novaglax) — Cavs are ACC Champions for the 3rd straight year. Although GK McBrearty was the tourney MVP, it's M Ashley McCulloch who powers the UVa machine. (socrlaxdad) — It's like Dukja Hoo all over again! ACC semis huge 2nd half comeback is an instant classic. The ACC final even better in OT final that is intense from start to finish. (UnderArmourOdor)
Maryland: The Terps stumbled in the second half of both of their games this weekend, which is not what one would expect from a senior-laden team. The ACC loss will only spur the Turtles on to close out the rest of the season and make a statement. (draw18) — Might the Terps have peaked too early? What happened to the run-and-gun Terps? (johnnyboy) — Tough ot loss to Virginia puts Terps at #4. Need to keep focus at Princeton to preserve a top 4 seed. (jojolax) — Too bad the Terps have to play the second half. Shut out by UNC in the second half then lost a 7-3 halftime lead to Virginia to lose 10-9 in OT. Now 16-2, Maryland can't overlook Princeton and Loyola on their way to the Dance. (Laxword) — Ambushed South. Thought they would win the ACC, but, as usual, I am wrong. (Lionwatcher) — The Turtle became the latest to endure the Franklin Field Experience (Credit LGL). Despite the protestations of the Turtle Nation otherwise, the refs received no additional compensation for this game. However, it is the opinion of many attendees that the home team did receive the benefit of many misplaced or just missed calls. (Hint: Check out who wore white!) The Terps have little time to lick their wounds, as they travel to Princeton Wednesday. (Lucky Laxer) — A one-point loss in Charlottesville to an insurgent Cavaliers team is no disgrace. As with Northwestern, the Terps will learn and move on. (Mike Fekula) — Falls to #4. (mytwokeepers) — Terps let the ACC final get away ... trophy too. They get a chance to correct the problems at Princeton and Loyola this week. (socrlaxdad) — Snappers hold off Tar Heels to set up #2 vs. #3 match up in ACC final. Terps all over Hoos for 35+ but shells game ends with Hoo comeback. (UnderArmourOdor)
Syracuse: The Orange are continuing to demonstrate their growth and maturity from the opening of the season. SU is a hot team that has a very talented attack and a solid defense. They will be a very tough match-up for any team. (draw18) — Another convincing win over G'town. The Orange have managed their schedule quite well this season. (johnnyboy) — Good come-from-behind win against Georgetown to win the Big East. In the hunt for the #4 seed, but SOS will make it tough without a stumble by someone else. (jojolax) — Orange knocks off the Hoyas to take the Big East tournament and finish 16-2. Now nothing to do but sit back and see where they are seeded at the Dance. (Laxword) — Probably locked up a top 4 seed this weekend. On a tear since the Cats left town. Could be a rematch in the semis. (Lionwatcher) — Finished everything on their plate and ready to make their run. (Lucky Laxer) — Nine in a row, now including a solid win over a good Georgetown squad. (Mike Fekula) — #5. (mytwokeepers) — Big East champs. (novaglax) — Big East Champs are on a nine-game win streak and should garner at least the #2 seed in the NCAAs. (socrlaxdad) — Orange try to bury 31st SOS in an avalanche of goals, 41 against Cornell and Rutgers. They double up Hoyas, getting 12 for another convincing win in championship game. 53-goal week! (UnderArmourOdor)
Princeton: A healthy group of Tigers is dynamic squad. Talent and experience exist in spades. However, Princeton will struggle without some key players at full strength, and those losses will add up, both in games and in assessing the season. (draw18) — Nice to see the Tigers' strong rebound after being hurt by injuries. (johnnyboy) — Rebounded nicely from Dartmouth upset. Have Schwab back now to face Terps and Hoyas. (jojolax) — Tigers knock off Brown to tie for second in the Ivy. A split in the next two games with Maryland and Georgetown should guarantee a trip to the NCAAs. Is there a Doctor in the house? (Laxword) — Rebounded from a bad week with two big wins. Two huge games this week will determine their tournament fate. Might be tough to get to 4, but 5 is certainly in reach. (Lionwatcher) — Got back on the winning track and hope to keep the train rolling as some rather annoyed Terrapins come to town before a weekend trip to DC. Rumor has it that Coach Sailer has become a believer in the "laying on of the hands" as she attempts to heal her wounded. (Lucky Laxer) — Recovering nicely this week after two Ivy League losses last week. Now that the Tigers have got that out of their system. (Mike Fekula) — #6. (mytwokeepers) — Following two easy road wins, the Tigers will host Maryland then travel to Georgetown to wrap up the regular season. (socrlaxdad) — Brown finds out a wounded tiger is still dangerous. However, loss of KLL is tough for even a team of Princeton's depth to overcome. (UnderArmourOdor)
Georgetown: The Hoyas showed that they are both strong in the attacking field and that they can play with anyone--as well as learn from their past mistakes. GU does need to shore up on the defensive side of the ball. (draw18) — The Hoyas lose three out of their last five games and are still a top 10 team? Yup. (johnnyboy) — Great win over Irish followed by another loss to the Orange. On the bubble for a seeded spot in the tournament. (jojolax) — Not sure who would win if the Hoyas and the Irish played a third time, but this time it was Georgetown in 3 OTs. Can't let down against Princeton this week. (Laxword) — Made hosting the Big East no fun for the Irish and held the Cuse to two touchdowns (w/o the extra points), which is not bad. The seem to have the defense for the tournament but need to find offensive power if they want to reach Towson. (Lionwatcher) — Kaestner, Ford, and Kirr power the Hoyas past the Irish. The dogs kept on barking against Gary's Girls until their leash was yanked by turnovers and a six-goal run by the Orange in the second half. A week to recover before hosting Princeton. (Lucky Laxer) — Hoyas' narrow win over Notre Dame and loss to Syracuse confirms a lack of consistency, but all the teams ranked after them have had their problems too. (Mike Fekula) — #11, but very dangerous. (mytwokeepers) — Big East runners up ... again. A strong showing against Princeton this week should propel the Hoyas into the NCAA tourney. (socrlaxdad) — Less than two weeks after losing to ND, Hoyas get back on roller coaster for OT ride over Irish! Rematch with Cuse is better than first game but results are the same. (UnderArmourOdor)
Vanderbilt: The Commodores are hot--Brooke Shinaberry is playing her best ball of her career, and Vandy can get the ball in the net behind Curran, Foote, and Downing. Cielak is a first-team All-American who has helped the Dores back to the NCAAs. (draw18) — It was a good week to be on vacation, as the Commodores avoid this week's upsets. (johnnyboy) — Off last week. Going into ALC tournament with five game winning streak. Better watch out for wounded Cats. (jojolax) — Vandy is resting up for the ALC tournament as the #2 seed. If they can avoid the upset, they should be a lock for the NCAAs. (Laxword) — DNP, waiting for a weekend chance at the wounded Cats. (Lionwatcher) — ALC tourney awaits. (Lucky Laxer) — Recent win over Duke was another milestone for the Commodores. (Mike Fekula) — #9. (mytwokeepers) — Idle 'Dores await the ALC tourney as the #2 seed. (socrlaxdad) — Commodores adrift as they await the tourney. (UnderArmourOdor)
Boston University: The Terriers have grown leaps and bounds from the beginning of the season, and getting back to full strength helps. With a solid keeper and a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, BU is a sleeper. (draw18) — Suddenly the rankings are more stable from #6 thru #20 than in the top 5. (johnnyboy) — Second one-goal win over UNH this month secures #7 ranking for me. Thirteen-game winning streak also should get BU seeded for the NCAA tournament. (jojolax) — It took overtime to take UNH in the AE final. Go figure, but now the 16-2 Terriers have a play-in game to get to the NCAAs. (Laxword) — Won out, but I don't think it is enough for a home game, but could be dangerous in the first round. (Lionwatcher) — 16-2, fourth straight AE title, and a Top 10 ranking. Not too shabby!!! Great year for the Terriers! (Lucky Laxer) — They now have won 13 in a row, although the OT win over New Hampshire was too close for comfort. (Mike Fekula) — #8, but they could just as easily be my #6. (mytwokeepers) — Terriers win the AE title, bump their win streak to 13, and will play Sacred Heart in an NCAA play-in game this Saturday. (socrlaxdad) — BU is off the leash, as Terriers chewing up Big Green and then dawgs out Great Danes. AE crown is won in big OT win vs. NH. (UnderArmourOdor)
North Carolina: The Tar Heels, when healthy and focused, can wreak havoc on teams. UNC has a number of people who can put the ball in the net, and that depth will give a defense fits. Amber Falcone is arguably one of the best defenders in the nation. (draw18) — Some label UNC as underachievers. I wouldn't want to play this team in the tourney. (johnnyboy) — Good showing in tough 6-4 loss to Terps, shutting Maryland out in second half. Attack woes continue, which is a puzzlement in light of all of the talent on this team. (jojolax) — Heels scared the Terps by holding them scoreless in the second half but just couldn't generate enough offense for the upset. UNC finishes 12-6 and now must just sit back and wait for their ticket. (Laxword) — Great job holding a high flying Maryland offense to 6, but, like the Hoyas, struggling to find enough goals for the wins. Do they win the right to go to Chicago in the second round, or is that honor bestowed on the Tigers? (Lionwatcher) — UNC took it to the Turtles in the second half, shutting them out for last 39:48! Where was that defense all year! Unfortunately, the Terps held their offense to only four goals. One of these years, if UNC could get a good recruiting class, stop me if you've heard this before ... Seriously though, their defense played the Terps very well. (Lucky Laxer) — Solid win over Boston College followed by 6-4 loss to Maryland in ACC semis raises questions about Tar Heels' offense. (Mike Fekula) — #7. (mytwokeepers) — 'Heels shut out Terps for the entire second half of their ACC semifinal game ... but still fall short. (socrlaxdad) — Tar Heels beat BC at ACCs but come up short against Terps, as "D" makes it interesting in 2nd half. (UnderArmourOdor)
Duke: Duke has been able to compete in all of their games, and they have the talent to be able to outscore a number of teams. But it is a young team, and not having that game experience can hurt. Still, in a single game, watch out for the Blue Devils. (draw18) — Duke played its best lacrosse of the season in the first half against UVa but could not finish. Need a win at Dartmouth this week. (jojolax) — Duke closes out its season with 10-9 loss to Virginia. Another game that could have gone either way, which probably symbolizes their 10-7 season. With Maryland the Dukies only Top 10 win, they can't let up against Dartmouth this week as a loss could put the NCAA tournament in question. (Laxword) — Move Duke up a little on the tough loss to the Hoos, but not enough for a home game, even with a win against an uncharacteristically weak Big Green. (Lionwatcher) — It's tough for me to feel for Duke, but they've got to be tired of being so close only to have it yanked away yet again by the Hoos! A strong, all around first half only to collapse in the second. Good thing that security at Scott Stadium prohibited all sharp objects and the Hoovision promoted the toll-free suicide prevention number throughout the second half. (Lucky Laxer) — One-point loss to eventual ACC titlist Virginia shows Duke is in the hunt. (Mike Fekula) — #13. (mytwokeepers) — Dookies were 3-4 in April ... can they make May a better month? Can they make the NCAA tourney with 7 losses? (socrlaxdad) — Freshmen didn't know about 10-goal collapse last year ... carry Blue Devils until they witness a 5-goal halftime lead slip away in Hooville! (UnderArmourOdor)
Notre Dame: The Irish can handle themselves on both sides of the ball, but they are up against a tough situation. The attack is there behind Shaylyn Blaney, Caitlin McKinney, and Jill Byers. The defense has some experience, and that will help. (draw18) — Tough loss to the Hoyas prevented the Cuse rematch. May get it in the tournament. (jojolax) — Irish go to 11-7 after OT loss to Hoyas. Either the Big East or the Ivy will get three tickets to the Dance, and that may be decided when Notre Dame takes on Cornell on 5/3. (Laxword) — Have they done enough to get in and, if so, do they get geographized to Evanston? Is the Cornell game important and, if so, how much? (Lionwatcher) — Another dog fight with the Hoyas comes up empty! Byers held in check. Would have loved to have seen that game! (Lucky Laxer) — America's most unpredictable team after Penn State is still a legit Top 10 team, confirmed by triple OT loss to Georgetown. (Mike Fekula) — #14. (mytwokeepers) — Disappointing 3OT loss at home to the Hoyas in the Big East tourney. If they Irish bounce back against Cornell this week, they should lock up a bid. (socrlaxdad) — 6-0 lead disappears against Hoyas in South Bend ... before falling in 3OTs. (UnderArmourOdor)
George Mason: The Patriots came up big when they needed to the most. What started out as a promising season still is not over yet--Mason can still play its way into the tournament, but now a CAA title is needed. For Laura King and the rest of her class, they are not ready to let it go. (draw18) — Escape JMU with one-goal win to make the CAA tournament. Need to win it to make the NCAA tournament. (jojolax) — Their one-goal win over JMU puts 12-4 Mason into the CAA tournament, where they will play 11-5 Towson in the first round. (Laxword) — Got the second seed in CAA. See Towson comments. (Lionwatcher) — Longobucco comes up big to seal the win against JMU. Second seed in the CAA. (Lucky Laxer) — Struggling to regain momentum with one-point win over James Madison. Too little too late? (Mike Fekula) — #19. (mytwokeepers) — GMU and Towson face off at CAA tourney ... winner could get an NCAA slot. (socrlaxdad) — Pats travel into the Valley to win the battle of the Virginia MU's with Dukes. (UnderArmourOdor)
New Hampshire: So close, yet so far ... the Wildcats have had a phenomenal season and gave BU angst. This senior-laden team did a great job to give themselves a chance. Now they have to sit and hope ... but that should not take away from the solid defense this team has exhibited all year long. (draw18) — One-goal loss to BU and keeping the Terriers under 10 for the second time shows me this is a quality team. (johnnyboy) — Another one-goal heartbreaking loss to BU. On the bubble for the tournament. (jojolax) — So close, but it was not to be, as Wildcats lose to the Terriers in OT in AE championship. Nice season, but I fear that that was UNH's only chance to make the NCAA tournament. (Laxword) — Played the Terriers tough so no drop and maybe even a little bump. Have these Cats done enough? (Lionwatcher) — Takes the Terriers to OT only to fall short. Now totally at the mercy of the selection committee to see if their season continues. (Lucky Laxer) — Despite one-point loss to Boston University, this New Hampshire squad gets my award as the pleasant surprise of the year. Another program to keep an eye on. (Mike Fekula) — #10, Tough loss to BU doesn't hurt them at all. (mytwokeepers) — OT loss to BU probably sealed the Wildcats fate for this season. (socrlaxdad) — Other Wildcats were also rolling, beating next door neighbor Vermont again to reach AE final, where they took Terriers to OT before falling. Bad day for all the Wildcats. (UnderArmourOdor)
Cornell: The Big Red have risen to the forefront with a series of solid wins. Courtney Farrell is having a great season, but the entire Cornell squad deserves credit for staying together and working together to bring about the desired results. CU needs to have one more strong showing to secure a bid, but it looks secure. (draw18) — Quietly had a good season to supplant Yale and Dartmouth for #3 in the Ivy. Well done. (johnnyboy) — Need to beat Irish to have a shot at the dance. (jojolax) — 10-5 Big Red rests up for huge game on 5/3 with Notre Dame to see which team may collect a ticket to the Dance. (Laxword) — Thinking they are on the bubble. Traveling to South Bend and I think a must-win situation, maybe for both. (Lionwatcher) — Loss to Syracuse is no disgrace except in upstate New York. Recovered well with win over Harvard. This should be a tournament team; whether or not they actually make it is another story. (Mike Fekula) — #15. (mytwokeepers) — Won six of last seven with 'Cuse the only blemish. A win at Notre Dame could push the Big Red into the NCAAs. (socrlaxdad) — Battle of warm colors, Big Red vs. Orange, goes coolly for Cornell's offense, 7-19, but they bounce back against Harvard. (UnderArmourOdor)
Johns Hopkins: Hopkins has played a very tough schedule all season long in what was really a reloading year. But Kirby Houck has refused to let this season go by the wayside, and Hopkins has kept themselves in the national scene. (draw18) — Need at least two wins this week to ensure they will finish with at least a .500 record. (johnnyboy) — Narrow win over Penn State does not advance the needle. Need to get back over .500 to make the dance. (jojolax) — Jays pull out a squeaker over Penn State but must play Ohio State this week to determine ALC seeding. Looks like Hop's only hope is to pull off a couple of upsets. (Laxword) — Beat those Crazy Lions, but probably need to beat the Dores in the ALC tournament or its hasta la bye bye for the Birds. (Lionwatcher) — Still can't bring myself to vote them into the 20 with a losing record this late in the season. (Lucky Laxer) — Win over Penn State is critical credential for post season appearance. (Mike Fekula) — #12. (mytwokeepers) — 'Jays knock off PSU, but need to win the ALC tourney or else. (socrlaxdad) — Blue Jays finally roll out 4th keeper on roster and get a win over Laboring Lions. What ever happened to Harris? (UnderArmourOdor)
Yale: Perhaps a bit of an upsetting season for the Bulldogs after so much hope, but then a coaching change, while not much different, can be unsettling. This senior-laden team will be hit hard by graduation. (draw18) — Another good season for Yale behind Lauren Taylor, Jess Champion, and Ellen Cameron. SOS and Cornell loss ended tournament hopes. (jojolax) — Yale finished their season 4/19 and have packed their bags to go home with no trip to the Dance this year. (Laxword) — Sitting, waiting, watching, and ... praying. Outside looking in? (Lionwatcher) — Idle after losing to Cornell over a week ago. (Mike Fekula) — Bulldogs' loss at Cornell likely ends their season at 11-5. (socrlaxdad) — Who left the Dogs out? (UnderArmourOdor)
Denver: The Pioneers have just been consistent all season long. To close out the season with a conference title would be a great way to put the finishing touches on 2008. Denver needed just a couple more wins to bump up. (draw18) — Late season climb to a respectable record. Will a MP tourney victory be enough to gain entry to the NCAA tourney? We'll see how much the NCAA wants western representation. (johnnyboy) — On six-game winning streak heading into the MPSF tournament. Big wins over Cal and St. Marys. (jojolax) — Denver clinches MPSF top seed with wins over Cal and St. Mary's. With no wins over ranked teams, Pioneers probably need to win the tournament to get to the NCAAs. (Laxword) — Doing what they need to do, but ... .Does anyone west of Chi-Town get to dance? (Lionwatcher) — Six-game winning streak going into the MPSF tournament. (Lucky Laxer) — Continuing to clean up in the West, but do the Pioneers get rewarded with a trip to the Show? (Mike Fekula) — #16. (mytwokeepers) — Six-game winning streak for the Pioneers heading to the conference tourney. (socrlaxdad) — Denver beats Cal and St. Mary's to seal MPSF regular season title; now readies for tourney right back at Cal. (UnderArmourOdor)
Towson: Need to win CAA tournament to make the NCAA tournament. (jojolax) — Unranked: 11-5 Tigers defeated ODU to secure a spot in the CAA tournament, where they meet George Mason in the first round. Only chance for the NCAAs is to run the table. (Laxword) — Didn't play; doesn't matter until this week. Probably only one from the CAA, so a do-or-die weekend for all CAAers. (Lionwatcher) — Tripped up by the Tribe. (Lucky Laxer) — I have them just outside the Top 20, just behind William & Mary. Another interesting program on their way up and in a good position to recruit. (Mike Fekula) — #18. (mytwokeepers) — Towson and GMU face off at CAA tourney ... winner could get an NCAA slot. (socrlaxdad) — Did I sleep on Towson all year, and now I'm watching and they don't play! (UnderArmourOdor)
William & Mary: The Tribe did what they needed to do do bring the CAA tournament to their place. Regardless of what happens in this tournament, W&M has done a great job in turning this season around. Kudos to a senior class in mentoring a talented young group. (draw18) — The Tribe beat Delaware and Old Dominion to lock up the CAA #1 seed and finish their turn-around season at 9-8. Takes on the Blue Hens in a rematch in the tournament first round. (Laxword) — Beat ODU. See Towson comments. (Lionwatcher) — Earns the #1 seed in the CAA. Controls their own destiny to the Dance. (Lucky Laxer) — Three wins in a row have the Tribe holding onto the Top 20 -- barely. (Mike Fekula) — #17. (mytwokeepers) — CAA #1 seed have won seven of their last nine ... but at just 9-8 overall they'll need to win the tourney on their home turf to score an NCAA bid. (socrlaxdad) — Beat ODU in a tune-up for interesting CAA. (UnderArmourOdor)
Stanford: The Cardinal have done a great job to pull together after what could have been a throwaway season. It's not over yet; Stanford would like nothing better than to keep the MPSF title and give the Cardinal a happy ending. (draw18) — Good road win at Dartmouth puts Stanford back in the top 20 for me. (jojolax) — Winner of the Stanford-Dartmouth game was to get the last spot in the poll this week and that was the Cardinal, 11-10. (Laxword) — Gets a mention for beating the Green. (Lionwatcher) — #20. (mytwokeepers) — Enigmatic Cardinal need to win the MPSF to have a chance at an NCAA slot ... but that applies to the entire field at the MPSF tourney! (socrlaxdad) — Don't fold the Cards yet for the MPSF, as they edge Dartmouth to gain some MO. (UnderArmourOdor)
Dartmouth: Loss to Stanford will keep them out of the ranking. This team is now 7-8 and, despite having some talent, never seemed to find their way this season. (Mike Fekula) — Losing to BU and Stanford puts the 2006 NCAA finalists on the outside looking in for 2008. (socrlaxdad) — Princeton win followed by bad loss to BU. Stanford game is another close loss for the Green. (UnderArmourOdor)
James Madison: Unranked: So much promise, but 7-9 JMU is on the outside looking in as loss to GMU knocks them out of the CAA tournament. Half of the hard-luck Dukes games were decided by one goal, but they only managed to win three of them. (Laxword)
Oregon: Slipping heading into the MPSF tourney. (socrlaxdad) — I'm duckin' any more chances for Big O in MPSF. (UnderArmourOdor)
Boston College: Loss to North Carolina in ACC tournament was expected. BC won't make it to the show, but they have made the season a lot more interesting for some of their opponents than expected. (Mike Fekula) — Unranked, but the mere suggestion that North Carolina might not have won gets Boston College an Honorable Mention from me. (WLaxinator)
Temple: Congratulations to the A-10 Champions. (johnnyboy)
Massachusetts:
Delaware:
Penn State: The mystery continues with their 2-point loss to Johns Hopkins. (Mike Fekula) — Uuuummm. (UnderArmourOdor)
Other Teams Pollsters Considered (and comments, if any)
California:
Davidson: Unranked: Kudos to coaches Betsy Economou and Caroline McGuire for turning 11-5 Davidson from a doormat into a respectable team. (Laxword)
Fairfield: Unranked: Congrats to coach Beth Loffredo of the best 17-2 team not to go to the NCAA tournament. With only a one-goal loss to Yale to mar their record prior to the Metro Atlantic final, the Stags lost by one to Marist. (Laxword)
Colgate: Won the Patriot League tournament and now face an NCAA play-in game vs. Marist on Friday. (Mike Fekula)
Brown: Just too many losses to keep them ranked, but this is a much improved program that bears watching (no pun intended). (Mike Fekula)
Navy: Mids drop a tough Patriot League semifinal game to AU and end their first season at 13-4. (socrlaxdad) — Lose to AU but make it exciting. (UnderArmourOdor)
Marist:
Drexel:
|
|
