This is probably the best example of David Versus Goliath in the championship game since Princeton beat a loaded Syracuse team in double overtime since 1992. Yes, Princeton had Scott Bacigalupo(perhaps the greatest goalie ever), David Morrow, Kevin Lowe, Andy Moe, and Justin Tortolani. However, Syracuse had this for a lineup: a very underrated Chris Surran in the goal, Winship, Tully, Beardsley and Thorpe on D, Colsey, Fin and Lockwood at midfield, and Marachek, Riter, and Archer on attack. Sorry if I missed a few names. Everybody thought that Princeton's ride was over. However, Tierney performed one of the best coaching jobs ever that day. He ran his methodical offense to perfection, really was brilliant with his defense, and gave Bacigalupo enough confidence to play a great game and make some saves that not many other goalies would come close to making(especially the one in overtime off the helmet against Dom Fin. Believe it or not, Princeton had the ball enough to take just as many shots as Cuse took. Up until Syracuse's big rally starting at the end of the third quarter, Syracuse really looked frustrated and confused. In fact, I vote the 1992 Syracuse team as the best team ever to not win the championship.

For UMASS to even be close today, the following things must happen:

1. They must win the majority of the face-offs.

2. On offense, they must really work the clock well, be crisp with passing, take good shots, and keep turnovers to a minimum.

3. On defense, they must be ironmen and play even better than they did on Saturday.

4. Of course, most importantly, the goalie must have one of his greatest, if not the greatest, game he has ever played. Perhaps he would even need to be like Dougherty from Maryland in the first quarter against loaded Hopkins in 1995. In 1992, Bacigalupo had said that, if they could hold Syracuse to single digits, they could win. They did exactly that, holding them to 9 goals. It is hard to imagine UMASS doing that, but if they can, anything is possible.

5. One thing to remember is, if UMASS can find a way to keep this game close in most categories, they could scare UVA. Don't forget that, throughout this season, other than against Princeton early in the season when they were still a bit rusty, they haven't had to sweat much after the opening face-off. In addition, the one-goal win against Princeton was close in score only. Statistically, UVA dominated that game. It sounded like Princeton's goalie had like the game of his life. So, UVA probably barely knows what it feels like to be in a dogfight well into the game.

The question is, could history be repeated today? My prediction is, don't count on it. UVA is absolutely loaded and not looking past this game at all. After the heartbreak in the Semifinals last year, they are as hungry as a team can get. Also, UMASS has some great players, but they don't have quite as many studs as Princeton had on their 1992 team. Most importantly, their goalie is great, but he definitely is no Scott Bacigalupo. In addition, there is no doubt that Greg Canella is a great coach, but I don't think many coaches are in the same ballpark as Bill Tierney.
Dom Starsia is a great coach and will have his team motivated and ready. Some people say that he is not a great game coach. They say that he is just a great recruiter who is at the school where every blue-chipper wants to go. The question is, if UVA wins today, will he finally get respect from the entire lacrosse community?

If I had to predict a final score, I would say 16-8, UVA. What are some other peoples predictions?