There were some big surprises since last weekend and the top ten is now welcoming some unusual faces, as well as introducing some familiar ones to the lower ranks. Obviously the biggest surprise, although the players aren’t very shocked, is the 6-0 Scarlet Knights. Despite my home state ties, which could now be dishonorably severed, I gave Rutgers about as much a chance as anyone against Navy, very little. It’s now very obvious that season is a far cry from last years and it’s not even halfway done with yet. There are again some major contests this weekend and the top ten will be shaken up once more, with the top five receiving most of the turbulence.




Saturday, March 22nd



#13 North Carolina at #2 Maryland- 1:00

No senior on the North Carolina roster has ever beaten the Terrapins; if that’s not enough motivation to win, I don’t know what is. They’ve certainly got their hands full as Maryland comes in undefeated, boasting the nation’s top defense, possessing one of the best offenses and playing in Byrd Stadium for the first time all season. As if that weren’t enough stacked against the Heels, they also decided to schedule Duke three days before the Maryland game. Regardless of that outcome they are going to be bruised and battered Thursday when instead of getting rest, they will be preparing for another tough game. While Carolina is going to turn their season around at some point, it won’t be this weekend.


#1 Virginia at #4 Johns Hopkins- 8:00 PM

This game is one half of the NCAA Tournament in March, as these two squads will no doubt be in the fight for the national championship. Several weeks ago these two teams were tied for number one and the Blue Jays obviously want to regain control of the poll. They’ve got a high powered offense that has been clicking but, as the Cuse game shows, it’s been known to go flat at points. After leading for most the game, the Hop lost their composure and were outhustled until the end, causing Coach Pietramala to vent his frustration afterward. The bad news for Pietramala is that they will be facing a much tougher defense than Cuse brought and Virginia will likely be able to handle their firepower. With a stronger defense and an equally potent offense, Virginia will stay on top for at least another week.


#7 Princeton at #3 Syracuse- 1:00

The other half of the March tourney takes place in upstate New York, where the focus has now been for two straight weeks. This rematch of last year’s championship will be in full swing, as the Tigers may have finally found their legs following a big win on Strong Island. They are notorious for slow starts and the players have yet to be overly concerned about their future. While this matchup will be close, Princeton will definitely make a game of it, Syracuse may have too much for the Tigers to handle. They’ve yet to hit their full stride and with Powell getting his game on track, Springer still going strong, and a slew of goal minded middies firing from out top, the Orangemen will continue putting up huge numbers on the scoreboard. Syracuse will end up with a comfortable win.


Sunday, March 23rd



#8 Duke at #5 Georgetown- 1:00

Coming off of a tough loss to Carolina, Duke has now tasted both victory and defeat, twice, and is no doubt feeling a little stunned. They need this Georgetown game and the Blue Devil seniors will give their all to get it. The Hoyas on the other hand have faced no competition as of yet, while giving up a good number of goals to much weaker opponents; a troubling thought for Georgetown fans. Duke will come out on fire going up by a couple of goals quick, but the Hoya’s will catch up and keep it tight throughout. The early edge could be the breaking point, as Duke’s veteran goalie will step up huge later in the contest. Look for Duke to pull out a close win; although depending on which Georgetown team shows up, it could go either way.


(unranked) Vermont at #10 Rutgers- 12:00

This one’s for you Duncan, the Rut’s going 7-0.


#17 Towson at (unranked) Delaware- 1:00


#15 Cornell at #14 Yale


(unranked) Brown at #9 Loyola- 12:00