Pollster Comments

Johns Hopkins: So much coming back but a huge question mark in the goal. If they get goal play, Hop should finally end their championship drought. (Apache) — Hopkins is for many the putative #1 and for good reason. Offensively they should be a goal scoring juggernaut. They return upperclassmen Barrie, Boland, Harrison, Ford, McDermott, and LeSeur (a total of 248 points). Greg Peyser will probably double last year's production, and sophomore Kyle Dowd will realize his potential with more pt. Did I mention Rewkowski? The big question for the Hop is in goal. Schwartzman is a touted frosh, and it is certainly not beyond the pale that he could excel. We shall see. (Artful Dodger) — Gonna hate myself if this is a jinx pick: JHU #1 because they have the 2nd best overall attack (Fall Ball showed that losing Benson will initially hurt more than losing Donegar, lost 25% of double digit pt scorers (DDPts)), best (deepest) midfields, freshman goalie = big unknown, but best returning team D (lost 30/221 DGB = 14%, all Peyser) [DGB = defensive ground balls = total gb - offensive (>10 shots) gb - goalie, gb - fo gb) (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — The pressure must be enormous. (John Henry) — This incredibly hyped outfit attempts to climb the mountain once again. And they're carrying a lot of baggage. (Ketch) — Can they get over the hump this year? Petro's got a loaded line-up; will the fans get restless if this isn't the year? (Lax Fidelis) — Stacked. (Matnum PI) — Loaded. (StanDPeterson) — Probably the deepest team. Certainly one of the top three in talent and experience. Goal is the only question mark, but it is a Petro team. (timbucthree) — Very close 2 behind UVa. Lost very little in numbers but certainly some key contributors. Should be able to reload with great youngsters and goalie is a question mark with little experience. However, they are probably the deepest team in Division I, especially on offense. (Viper) — Returns the most complete team in the country. Looking at history, JHU has never had trouble finding replacements in goal. (VTD) — The current Gold Standard. Petro slips the surly bonds this year. (whollymoly) — My 1st time with JHU at pre-season #1. Question mark is an unproven goalie. Offense adds more flexibility. Look for Ford to have a great year at attack. Rewk not Donegar but has an excellent game. 40+ pts at Duke. Petro will find ways for him to score. Defense is very deep. Best midfield defense. Excellent at the X. Perhaps best total offense. (WNY Lax) — I feel very strongly that a preseason poll should represent the pollsters' collective estimate as to where teams will end up at the end of THIS season (2004). It should not simply be a recoronation of those that finished at or near the top LAST year. With that in mind, here are my picks (I number them, so you can see where I put my rankings relative to the average of all of my peers). #1 JHU: Lost Benson and Donegar and Scherr. But they have an unheralded defense (no close D-man picks in the Faceoff Mags AA - which is a glaring oversight), loaded offense with Rewkowski and many frosh and sophs, and frosh goalie Schwartzman had a great fall ball and a great showing vs. PSU on Saturday. Overall, this team will only get better as the season goes on. Might lose one or two on the way, but this might be THE year. (Wombat)

Virginia: You're #1 until someone proves otherwise. It will be difficult, however, to replace over 100 points, the POY (Rotelli), and 4 other All-American players (Hughes, Shannon, Glading, and Whitty). With the loss of Hughes, Glading, Whitty, Bowen, and Burman, one can presume the defense will suffer. Tillman Johnson will have to pick up the slack and rally the troops. He is good enough to do it! (Artful Dodger) — Well, Duh, Who Else Pick: UVa #2 because they have the best overall attack (lost 42% DDPts, but scoring replaceable), best goalie, but severe graduation losses on midfield D (Whitty, Bowen, Heffner, Burman = 246/380 DGB's = 65%, plus Rotelli + Glading) lead to #2 ranking. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Champs until somebody beats them. (John Henry) — Professional courtesy dictates that the defending champ get the pole position. (Ketch) — Until they lose, the champs are #1. (Lax Fidelis) — Champ. (Matnum PI) — See you in the Finals. (StanDPeterson) — Graduation hurts UVa a little more than it does JHU. Will be better at year's end than at the start. (timbucthree) — Lost midfield, but return great attack, strong defense, and best goalie in Division I. Top that off with excellent recruiting class. Until beaten, they earn number 1. (Viper) — Will be shaky early season, but should be ready by tourney time. (VTD) — JC fully consummates his natural imperilment of foes. TJ at the other end. (whollymoly) — Lost too much to be #1. Offensive and defensive midfields will be key to season. Lost both sides to graduation. Will be harder for Hoos to replace midfield defense. Very deep at attack and close D. Best goalie in lax. Untested midfields. (WNY Lax) — #2 Virginia: I picked UVa number 1 last year, and they came through. UVa and JHU are a step above the rest of the class. If TJ can have another stellar May, look out. Retooling their middies, and a few new faces as regulars on D, but the attack is top of the class. A rematch on Memorial Day with JHU is very likely. (Wombat)

Syracuse: They have the offense but their defense is suspect. If Pfeifer isn't on, chances are that Powell and Co. will not be able to score enough to offset. Expect a similar year to last – some great wins and head-scratching losses. (Apache) — There are some who feel this will be a down year for Syracuse. They may be right, but I think their demise is somewhat overstated. Admittedly there are many question marks, but overall I believe that Syracuse's athleticism will make a difference. The team's midfield should be strong if Vallone is healthy and Park and Rommel step it up a notch. Lindsay should have a better than average year, and graduate student (transfer from Hofstra) will help more than most realize. Nee and Mikey are back, and I'll be watching the contributions of Bucktooth. Fortunately, Pfeifer is back in the goal and will anchor a relatively inexperienced but potentially good D. (Artful Dodger) — Maybe UMass Is Better Pick: Syracuse #3 because any attack with Powell solid, but Nee hasn't shown Springer's balance (lost 32% DDPts). 1st midfield fine but overall depth unproven; FO big unknown; last year's unimpressive defense even more suspect with loss of Bliss + Bontaitis (86/290 DGB's = 30%) (+ Sebasteanski); Panarelli can only play one position at a time (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Defense is a question. (John Henry) — SU will rebound strongly from last year as no-name players make names for themselves. (Ketch) — Can't pick any team over them, but have they gotten over the 19-8 drubbing? (Lax Fidelis) — Seniors. (Matnum PI) — Powell is on a mission to bring back the title to Central NY. (StanDPeterson) — Not as good on paper as last year's team. But it is Mike Powell's senior year. Good enough to make the FF. But a step down from the top 3. (timbucthree) — Lost a bit at midfield but returns a strong attack, and even in "down" years SU always makes an impact. (Viper) — Someone needs to emerge on offense as a go-to player other than Powell, otherwise they are going to lose a lot of shoot-outs because you can't count on their defense to give them any help. (VTD) — Thundering herd of mids, defense again better than clips. Mikey needs two mates who can jam it and hang on the rim. Crockett may be one - and ... hmm ... Ryan P. is right there on the sideline. (whollymoly) — Top 3 offense with big question marks at defense and midfield defense. They will have to outscore the other top team to win and control the ball at the X. Middie defense has been a bête noire. (WNY Lax) — #6 Syracuse: The Cuse will have to come together as a team and feed off the lessons learned from last year's semifinal. I think this is the year that they lose in the quarterfinals, ending the streak. Just too many question marks on defense. Always a great offense though. (Wombat)

Massachusetts: They lose 2 big guns on offense but have some young studs on D (Reid, Byrne) and an experienced goalie (Schell). The Minutemen have been so close the last two years to the Final 4, and this year they will be right on the edge again. (Apache) — They lost Fiore and Leveille, but I predict that they will be better than ever. Zywicki, Tundo, and Morris will more than make up for the scoring deficit. Doyle, Lundberg, and Ventiquattro will all improve and contribute greatly. As usual, there are some incoming freshman who will surprise and fit right into the UMass mold. Run and gun is still the game, and it will be played well. (Artful Dodger) — Maybe Orange Are Overrated Pick: Mass #4 because they lost 2 very, very big midfield guns (lost 34% DDPts) but return D (100% DGB's return), and that's the key to moving into the Big Time. If replace only 2/3 of midfield point losses, watch out Orange. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Maybe they can beat out Georgetown. (John Henry) — Another incredibly hyped outfit, last seen getting squashed like a bug by Maryland. Let's hope Charles Atlas (and GNC) helped them get bigger in the off-season. (Ketch) — Going with a program that seems to have found solid ground every year. (Lax Fidelis) — Underrated. (Matnum PI) — My sleeper choice. (StanDPeterson) — Could be better than Syracuse and a FF team. Graduation of top middies leaves question in my mind. But I could be easily convinced to rank them amongst the top four. A program to watch. (timbucthree) — Losing Fiore and Leveille will hurt (Viper) — A team that could finally be ready for the big time now that some of the "big guns" are looking to have down years. (VTD) — Solid coach, AA Zywicki, and sense of mission. Relatively weak slate a drag at selection time - unless they beat UNC and Georgetown. (whollymoly) — Lost a couple of big guns but return a lot of balance and depth. Not a lot of teams have balance and depth. (WNY Lax) — #8 UMass: Reloading a little on midfield, but this team always produces scoring from all over the box. Watch out - they could be a surprise Final Four team this year. And really, that wouldn't be much of a surprise. (Wombat)

Georgetown: Walid can't do it by himself. A rebuilding year for the Hoyas, who barely make it into the top ten. Corno is a major plus at face-off. (Artful Dodger) — Better Than The Rest Pick: Hoyas #6 because they lost 58% DDPts; lost Sweeney and 106/328 DGB's = 32%, but terrific FO plus excellent goalie make up for a lot. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Always a good team, when are these guys going to score a breakthrough? (Ketch) — A hunch that Urick gets them to FF again. (Lax Fidelis) — Solid. (Matnum PI) — Solid talent all over the field. (StanDPeterson) — Solid but unspectacular, doing some rebuilding. Early test against Maryland should be interesting for both teams. (timbucthree) — Hajj and Corno anchor a decent team, but Sweeney is gone and will be missed. (Viper) — If they get the offense going, they could be dangerous. (VTD) — Master Mentor Urick has everyone who beat him in the regular season last year at HIS place this year. (whollymoly) — Offensively challenged going in to the year. Defense will have to win games for them. Corno must come up big. (WNY Lax) — #7 Georgetown: Urick always brings a solid team, and Corno will bring many momentum swings with his control of the X. Now the Hoya offense will need to light it up more often for them to go deeper into the playoffs. (Wombat)

Princeton: See Maryland. (Apache) — Boyle is great, but the Tigers lost too much this year. Good coaching will help but not quite enough this year. Princeton is not a top ten team. (Artful Dodger) — Heresy Pick: Princeton #7 because Tierney is the only reason the Tigers are so highly regarded. Lost a ton of scoring (58% DDPts), lost Davis, Rosenbaum, Lieberman (143/242 DGB's 59%) and goalie. Even with the absolute best of team D concepts, too many open issues to rank 'em higher until youth matures. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Cornell wins Ivy but Princeton has the tougher schedule. (John Henry) — A pivotal season for the Tigers. Will rebound strongly after thrashing in season finale at the Dome. (Ketch) — Lots of questions. Bill will earn his keep this go-round to make the FF; if he doesn't have a coronary first! (Lax Fidelis) — Only 'cause they're Princeton. (Matnum PI) — Coach T will find a way. (StanDPeterson) — Attack and coaching the only things which are not a question mark. Defense and goal should be solid but unspectacular. Likely to find it difficult to score against the better defenses. Tierney has his work cut out for him. What's worse is, with the Tierney reputation, no one is going to be looking past this young team. Early season could be real ugly. (timbucthree) — Lost Davis on D and a lot of midfielders; however, they have a strong attack starting with Donegar and Boyle. (Viper) — Will have a lot of trouble winning the Ivy league this year. I've got them finishing #2 in the Ivies, but it's not impossible they could end up #3. (VTD) — In The System, three dozen walk-ons could earn a rank. Coach T could carry this group higher - if he remembers to eat. (whollymoly) — A team that lost a LOT. On the other hand, chemistry will be better. Even Tierney will overachieve if they get to the FF. (WNY Lax) — #4 Princeton: Yes, they only have a couple of people who have ever scored, and they will have a rough start out of the starting gate. But never underestimate what Bill Tierney can do as he seasons his team and gets them ready for May. Never disturb a sleeping Tiger. (Wombat)

North Carolina: The returning talent gets them the ranking, but they haven't produced on the field in the big games (outside of Maryland last year). This could be the year they finally make it back or a huge waste of talent (Apache) — Well, in the past, I never said "this is the year for the Heels", but this is the year for the Heels. This presumes that the team really wants it. Team is strong and balanced at attack (Prossner, McCall, Falatach, Blair) and has a young and potentially explosive midfield. Defense should also be strong and return of Spellman bodes well for success. Frew will do better than average at the face-off X. (Artful Dodger) — Contrarian, Out on a Limb, Pick: UNC #5 because the Haus era comes of age with return and maturing of "his" recruits; instilled much needed discipline at JHU, doing same at UNC. No losses on D, lost 30% DDPts (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — They have the talent. Lets see if they can "finish". (John Henry) — Chronically overrated team, I put them at #19 so that they can earn their way up like everyone else. (Ketch) — Fourth year for Haus; he'd better produce. (Lax Fidelis) — Underrated. (Matnum PI) — It's time to step up. (StanDPeterson) — One of the top three teams in talent, experience, and depth. Much better team than last year's record would indicate. FF appearance, anything less, and we will need to look at the coaching. (timbucthree) — Good coach with lots of talent. This could be the year that it all finally comes together. (Viper) — It's put up or shut up time for John Haus. With the talent he has, anything less than a Final Four will be a disappointment. (VTD) — Lots of talent - again. Like Notre Dame. Again. (whollymoly) — Return a now veteran team. If issues have been put behind them they can surprise on the upside. Another team with questions on the defensive side of the field. (WNY Lax) — #3 North Carolina: Yes, folks, I am making a bold prediction. UNC in the Final Four this year. They had six losses last year but by a total of 12 goals, so that means each loss was only by an average two goals. They were very close to breaking through last year. With the increased maturity and experience, and with Haus at the helm, this is the year that they break out. Look out Baltimore, not only will they make the NCAAs, they will venture back to the Final Four. (Wombat)

Maryland: Graduated tons, new goalie, many questions. Has young talent and a great coach, so the Terps get the benefit of the doubt for now (Apache) — They lost Mollot, Moran, Hunt, and Lamonica on offense, but Walters (leading scorer) returns. Addition of Ritz (Delaware transfer) should ease the pain, and Schwartzman is ready to step-up along with Caretsky. Michael Howley is a big loss on defense, but the return of Zink and Passavia insures it remains solid (some think Zink was the best of the three). I'm not sure who they red-shirted, but usually some good ones lurk there. The midfield should be stronger than ever with McGlone coming into his own to bolster Healy and Smith, both competent middies. (Artful Dodger) — 100th Contest Pick: Twerps #9 because they lost way too much scoring (68% DDPts) including QB, but key loss is Howley (and to a lesser degree, Harper) (lost 96/299 DGB's 31%) because Passaic's propensity to gamble with having only Zink left to play real D will leave Twerp goalie badly exposed — would be lower ranked, but who's gonna be better? (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Lost a lot of scoring. (John Henry) — Yawn. How did Cottle lose his offensive touch when he left Loyola for this outfit? (Ketch) — Heavy losses. Can Cottle rally what's left in CP? (Lax Fidelis) — Defense. (Matnum PI) — Key losses on offense will hurt. (StanDPeterson) — Rebuilding at both ends. Maryland defense and goal should be fine. More difficulty scoring than last year. (timbucthree) — Struggled offensively last year and don't appear to be any stronger. The loss of Howley and McCormick on the defensive side will be bigger than expected even with Passavia and Zink still there. (Viper) — They aren't going to get any help from their offense this year. (VTD) — It's a Zen Thang - the Terps will be it as soon as they believe it. Walters: AA. (whollymoly) — Another team that lost a LOT including top middies, DOY, QB at attack. Too much for this team to overcome. Defense will have to win games for them ... again. Like Hopkins, unproven in goal. (WNY Lax) — #5 Maryland: The Terps have a solid D but will need to produce more offense this year. They have a good chance to make it back to the Final Four this year, but it will be more of an uphill climb than last year. (Wombat)

Rutgers: Posed to be higher. Stagnitta has done a remarkable job and has talent to mold. Big early game with Dartmouth will let us know which of 2003's big surprises is for real in 2004. (Apache) — Everyone won't be surprised this year, they say, but I think they will. Rutgers finishes better than most think. Great coaching and team intensity. Superb goalie helps. (Artful Dodger) — Won't Catch Anyone by Surprise This Year Pick: Rutgers #12 returns D (almost 100% DGB) but losing entire 1st mid (36% DDPts) hurts badly. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Good team. Good coach. Will not surprise anyone this year. (John Henry) — The jury is still out on these guys. Can they follow last season's success with yet more? (Ketch) — Won't sneak up on anybody. Yes, but I'm betting on the new regime and an even better year in G. (Lax Fidelis) — Was last year a fluke? Probably not!!! (StanDPeterson) — Loss of Duca and Springer will negatively impact offense. I don't expect as good of a season as 2003. (timbucthree) — Rutgers may not surprise anyone this year, but Stagnitta did a great job last year and returns Powless and Havalchak - and a great goalie can make a huge difference. (Viper) — A talented team that is only getting better. (VTD) — ... and from the tents the armourers, accomplishing the knights, with busy hammers closing rivets up, give dreadful note of preparation ... (whollymoly) — Lost a lot, but the program looks to solidify. Down a little from last year. (WNY Lax) — #15 Rutgers: The surprise of last year, and a welcome one at that. No one will overlook them this year, and so the road will be tougher. Will have to scratch and claw to find their way back to the NCAA. (Wombat)

Cornell: Should be the favorite in the Ivies and my dark horse final four pick. They will be better in the goal, the whole attack returns (Andrew Collins is one of the most underrated players in the game), and DeBlois gets to play outside of McClay’s shadow. (Apache) — Collins to Greenhalgh is a potent combo. Pittard, Nee and Redd are excellent. Good players but not enough. (Artful Dodger) — Maybe Big Red Should Be Higher Pick: Cornell #13 because scoring returns (lost 10% DDPts), D lost 87/226 DGB = 38% but isolated in McClay (alone accounting for 58/226 DGB 26%), (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Wins Ivy outright. Lost little scoring. (John Henry) — The only time these guys look like a million bucks is when they play Hobart. Other than that, a rather dull outfit. (Ketch) — Probably too low but, hey, can't I be idiosyncratic? (Lax Fidelis) — Underrated Ivy. (Matnum PI) — Will surprise some; may win the Ivy League. (StanDPeterson) — Biggest losses to graduation were on the defensive end. Will put up points, but can they keep opponents from putting up more? I think they can. (timbucthree) — Enough talent on both sides to possibly steal the Ivies this year. (VTD) — Super attack, slick everywhere else but goal. 'Cuse game is at Ithaca, good news of late for the Red. (whollymoly) — Excellent attack and well balanced team. Could break in to the top 10 and win the Ivies. (WNY Lax) — #10 Cornell: The Big Red will be seeing red this year, like a charging bull. Offense is loaded, and they should make a run at the Ivy title to challenge the Tigers and the Green. (Wombat)

Duke: Program in flux. New goalie, couple of high profile transfer departures, how long before Pressler feels some heat? (Apache) — Freshman Danowski is more than an impact player. He is that good. He and Matt Zash will finally bring the Blue Devils to a consistently good level of play. The Pressler bashers will be quieted. (Artful Dodger) — No Stats on Website Pick: Duckies #10 because D returns, but too much youth to be ranked higher (but what youth! More "potential" than any other team — what a curse!) (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Kids love to go there but don't like playing for the coach. (John Henry) — See North Carolina comments. If there were a #25 I'd put Duke there. I'm not going to be fooled by the Duke name and the pretty recruits. It's time for Duke to make it happen on the field this year. (Ketch) — Promising promises. Can the players overcome Pressler 's style? (Lax Fidelis) — Young. (Matnum PI) — Will they finally mesh on O Tons of young guns? (StanDPeterson) — Top 5 talent that finds a way to play like a second 10 team. I have to put them somewhere. (timbucthree) — They continue to recruit well but seem to disappoint season after season. The loss of Rewkowski and Monfett are not good indicators of Pressler's hold on the team either. (Viper) — Another new year ... another new #1 ranked Duke recruiting class ... another mediocre season ... (VTD) — I don't get it. What's with Duke, anyway? (whollymoly) — Danowski is a stud. Not enough depth but a lot of young talent. Like Towson, has the potential but young players must produce. (WNY Lax) — #9 Duke: Duke is young and dangerous. Look for them to rebound after a disappointing 2003. Danowski will be an immediate impact player. (Wombat)

Hofstra: Always tough. The Pride plays hard, gets after you and seems to thrive on achieving beyond expectation. (Apache) — Hofstra is in the top ten this year. They are still young, but another year older. Will surprise some when they take the CAA and make at least the quarterfinals of the NCAA Championships. (Artful Dodger) — Ahead of Schedule Pick #1: Hofstra #8 because they lost top 2 scorers (lost 42% DDPts), lost too much D? (139/329 DGB's 42%), but Dutchmen did much better than expected last year (very young) so maturity moves 'em up. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — D-I lacrosse's perennially most underrated team. Who are they going to humiliate now that Duke is no longer on the schedule? (Ketch) — On the coach's rep they get in here. Need another season to really get it on? (Lax Fidelis) — I will give them the benefit of the doubt. (StanDPeterson) — Solid defense. Lost a lot of experienced offensive punch to graduation. Should recover last year's form but not enough improvement to move up significantly. (timbucthree) — Kostolansky and Femmiella are huge losses, (Viper) — They had talent last year with no experience. Things are looking up this year. (VTD) — No attack, but Coach D doesn't win the big ones with offense. (whollymoly) — Big losses drop them way down, but they should stay top 15 or so. (WNY Lax) — #11 Hofstra: The Pride will need to find more offense due to graduation losses, but this is always a gritty team that pulls off at least one upset each year. Danowski is a great coach. (Wombat)

Towson: Lost a bunch, but they have some good young players. (Apache) — Tony's Tigers lost an awful lot of talent but should still squeak out a top 15 ranking. Let's hope the season is not a typical roller coaster ride. (Artful Dodger) — Undisciplined Pick: Towson #14. OK, I admit it, despite his apparent Internet deification, I do not think Seaman was such a wonderful coach (Contrarian Position #2). Tigers lost top 4 scorers (60% DDPts), but worst of all including the only guys with >10 assists (can you say, "No ball movement?"). Losing set piece battles and treating team defense as a foreign concept (and lost 165/271 dbg 61%) relegates Tigers to bottom top 10. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Should remove the yellow from their uniforms and go with all black to fit their outlaw image. (Ketch) — Would pick them higher if they had a different coach! Some of their stats are just appalling. (Lax Fidelis) — Looking forward to seeing what they have. (StanDPeterson) — Lost a lot to graduation. Under construction on both ends of the field. Team will be as good as its youngsters. Lots of untested talent. (timbucthree) — Lost a lot of offense to graduation. (Viper) — The fun 'n gun style of play could spell disaster for the baby Tigers. (VTD) — A LOT of young talent. Griebe must produce. Engelke may have a tough go for awhile. Excellent additions at midfield. A lot of talent for Tony to work with. Decided lack of proven defense. (WNY Lax) — #12 Towson: Solid in goal and at the X, will need to improve their offensive possessions and take their defense up a notch too. (Wombat)

Notre Dame: The scholarships start to pay dividends as the young talent now has experience. (Apache) — Will win the GWLL against very improved competition. Walsh will lead a superb attack and strong team across the board. Scholarship money starts to kick-in. (Artful Dodger) — Ahead of Schedule Pick #2: ND #15 because O returns (did Irish really take 500 shots in 2003?!? Hmmm, is that good or bad?) (lost 29% DDPts), weak GB team (and lost 82/226 DGB = 36% in only 2 players), FO problems mean ND needs another year to move up (unless all those shots start dropping). (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — People say they have talent. (John Henry) — Always a solid outfit. Where are the pundits now who told us you couldn't build a quality lacrosse program in South Bend, Indiana? (Ketch) — Could be very good this spring. (StanDPeterson) — Lost little offense to graduation. Will put up points. Crossland's ability to lead a young defense and clear the ball will make or break the team. I'm betting on them. First game test against PSU. (timbucthree) — Early games against SU and UNC could vault them into the top 10. (Viper) — They should bounce back after a tough two years. (VTD) — Solid returning core of players. (WNY Lax) — #18 Notre Dame: Lots of offense, now they will have to complete their retooling process and claim the GWLL AQ. Have to watch out for OSU and Denver. (Wombat)

Dartmouth: On paper, they are stacked. Bill Wilson is the only reason to doubt the Green. They have most exciting goalie to watch outside the cage since Carc, and almost all their starters back. The early game with Rutgers will let us know if the Green can do it again. (Apache) — This team is better than you think. This is not the strongest year for the Ivies in general, but I think Dartmouth will be in the thick of the fight. (Artful Dodger) — Lost Coach Pick: Dartmouth #11 because they have few losses from surprising team, so why have the Greenies so low? Lost coach. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — I know nothing about this team. But the football team has very cool helmets. (Ketch) — Think this is too high. Can they do it again under a different coach? My money says no. (Lax Fidelis) — Solid everywhere. Lost very little to graduation. Coaching is the big question. Betting talent and 2003 experience is more important than coaching. Given rebuilding of others, could have been an early FF favorite if Sowell had stayed. (timbucthree) — Return most of the playoff team from last year except the coach. (Viper) — With talent and experience, they are looking ready to explode. It all depends on how they handle the new coach. They've got to be considered the favorite to win the Ivy League. (VTD) — Lost little but the coach. But that can matter while the team and coach learn each other. (WNY Lax) — #19 Dartmouth: If the Green can weather the coaching change, look for them to give Cornell and Princeton another run for their Ivy title. A great Cinderella story last year that almost knocked off the Cuse!!! (Wombat)

Loyola: Dangerous young talent on this team. As the season progresses, the Greyhounds will get stronger if they get the huge goal question figured out. (Apache) — I'm not sure why this team deserves #16 ranking. Really don't know much about them except that Brundage is real good. Can he carry the team? This is not quite Dirrigl's team yet. (Artful Dodger) — Not as Bad as Basketball Team Pick: Loyola #17 because Dirrigl is where Haus was a couple years ago - making the team "his" and holding on until youth matures. Also no stats on web site. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Have the horses. Will they jell as a team? (John Henry) — Can I not put them in the Top 20? Nah! But I need to see something good happen on Cold Spring Lane to get very excited. (Lax Fidelis) — Can they improve from last year? (StanDPeterson) — Open goalie position should be filled satisfactorily given the available talent. Defense is solid. Monfett a good offensive stop gap as Dirrigl beefs up the offensive end with recruits. Should be better than 2003 and they could surprise. (timbucthree) — Monfett and a strong recruiting class help Loyola start to return to the level of play as seen under Cottle. (Viper) — Looking to be much improved this year, at least on the offensive end. (VTD) — Great freshman class and maybe enough to move to the 10-15 range but not enough defense, and I think no big move until next year. (WNY Lax) — #13 Loyola: Also young and dangerous like Duke, the Hounds will have a resurgent year and have a great chance at getting back into the playoffs. Might be "last year's Rutgers" in terms of a turnaround. (but not as big as Rutgers' turnaround was). (Wombat)

Penn State: Great season in 2003 making the NCAA. They'll probably have to wait until 2005 to return. (Apache) — This is still a blue collar team with great depth. Perhaps the best Penn State team in recent years. Better finish than last year. Virginia should take note. This is not a team to be taken lightly. (Artful Dodger) — Big 10 Pick: PSU #19 lost 46% DDPts, return Bateman plus D (lost only 51/256 DGB 20%), lost goalie. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Are these guys ever going to have a true breakthrough? They tease, but they never quite get there. (Ketch) — Always liked Thiel, seems to be getting enough talent now to seriously compete. (Lax Fidelis) — Athletic. (StanDPeterson) — Modest offensive losses to graduation, with a seasoned defense. Replacement of Garrity in goal is the only real question mark. Successful replacement should leave PSU as competitive as last year. (timbucthree) — Disappointing show in the tourney last year, and losing Garrity in goal won't help. (Viper) — Rob Bateman is probably the most overrated player in college lacrosse today. That said, a lot of athletes with only so much lacrosse talent between them. I'm not that impressed. (VTD) — Scary team, viewed from an angle. Played everybody tough in 2003, didn't lose much talent, and have the tough ones at home this year. Could go higher. (whollymoly) — I must have missed something when I saw them at Towson last year. Top 20 maybe top 15. (WNY Lax) — #14 Penn State: Looked impressive in a scrimmage vs. JHU Saturday. Solid D, the goalie will gel, and the offensive should produce enough for a second straight bid into the NCAA tourney. (Wombat)

Navy: Navy will run and gun this year with a perfect mix of veterans and young guns. Dingman is hard to stop and should get the points when needed. They will win the Patriot this year and then look out! (Artful Dodger) — Go Navy, Beat Army Pick: Navy #15. Expect usual Navy team with only Conklin missing from top scorers (lost 22% DDPts, but shallow scoring team as a whole), D basically intact (lost 51/177 DGB 29%), and a disciplined approach to game will serve well. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Consensus favorite of the pundits to run the table in the Patriot League and get the AQ. News to pundits: the Patriot League is wide open. (Ketch) — Mercy pick. Will they ever win a big game against a team other than Army? Always a day late and a goal short when they really, really need it. (Lax Fidelis) — An experienced and likely improved defense. Modest offensive loss to graduation with significant young talent on the offensive end. Should improve on last year's record and take the Patriot title with an 8-4 record. (timbucthree) — Not a lot lost, and played most everyone tough last few seasons. A few good bounces puts them in the playoffs, (Viper) — Ian Dingman is a walking mismatch. Everything else is a little unknown right now. (VTD) — Always tough and always working. But not enough to move into the top 10 or much higher than 15. (WNY Lax) — #16 Navy: The midfielders can already hear the sweet sounds of an Automatic Qualifier. If they can fill some of the holes from graduation and play as steady as they have in the past, they can make a serious run at the Patriot AQ. Tourney time baby! (Wombat)

Ohio State: Even Less O Back than PSU Pick: OSU #20 D returns, but no O left (lost 76% DDPts). (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — I know nothing about this team except that their football team wears helmets that aren't as cool as Michigan's. (Ketch) — OSU unmakes Notre Dame's year, again. (Lax Fidelis) — Defending GWLL champ gets the nod over Notre Dame for the moment (Viper) — Wonder if Mo Clarett can play lacrosse? (whollymoly) — Like ND, a solid returning team. (WNY Lax) — #17 Ohio State: The GWLL is a bit of a toss up, but I like OSU to pull it out in 2004. Only problem is that the ND game is away, so mark March 31st on your calendars, South Bend. (Wombat)

UMBC: Being in the America East should get them back to the tourney. (Apache) — Coaching Pick: UMBC #18 because Zim can coach. Can Testa and Benson teach being smart? Betting on it. (ColumbiaBlueBlack) — Could finish higher [than #18]. (John Henry) — Give them this slot based on Zim's rep. (Lax Fidelis) — Coming off a decent year but lots of losses in the midfield. (Viper) — Preseason prediction ... They WILL make the tournament. (VTD) — [The ranking is a] paean to Zim coaching and getting a key player or two. (WNY Lax) — #20 UMBC: Look for Zim to have the Retreivers chasing down the America East AQ. That move will be a refreshing change of pace from the crowded ECAC. Just missing out of my top 20 was #21 Penn: Never underestimate good coaching, and Voelker has the Quakers rebuilding. They also might make some noise in the Ivy. Also missing were #22 Army (solid); #23 Denver (up and coming); #24 Bucknell (always primed for an upset or two); and #25 Yale (the big dogs always bite). (Wombat)

Denver: Jamie Munro has a team to be wary of – lots of talent with experience returning. They beat the Buckeyes last year and lost to ND by a goal in South Bend. My pick for the surprise team in 2004 – watch the Pioneers. (Apache) — Didn't lose much from a team that tied for the conference. Never saw them play, but I hear they are very athletic. Should make things interesting. (Artful Dodger) — Never seen them play, but they've been getting raves for the last few years. Show us something back East where we can see it. (Ketch) — Returns nearly the entire team from last year. Goalie is the only question mark. Had a taste of success last year and are ready to move up. Should finish no lower than 2nd in the GWLL and could win it all. (timbucthree) — Looking to shake things up this year. (VTD) — And Jamie left The Heartland, and he built him a team of callow youths from The Hinterlands, and he bestowed upon them high oxygen platelet density, and he saw that it was good. (whollymoly)

Army: This is a scary team bringing back a lot of quality players. Don't be surprised if they take the Patriot League. (Ketch) — Returning a solid experienced team on both ends of the field. Should present significant competition for Navy in the Patriot. (timbucthree)

Bucknell: They break Ketch's Hobart heart again. (Lax Fidelis)

Fairfield: I really like this team. Tom Werney will be back and will dominate at midfield. The attack of Bamann, McCarthy, and Baglio will create match-up problems. Vlahkis will control the face-offs. Three excellent coaches. Go Yale! (Artful Dodger)

Harvard: A lot of talent. Ivy league is real competitive this year. (John Henry)

MD-III Poll