The 2008 NCAA Lacrosse season is just about upon us. February 9 will start local action when Delaware travels to St. Joseph's. With the large number of top NCAA programs in the immediate area (within a two hour trip), we at LaxPhilly are going to start the LaxPhilly Local Five. What is the "Local Five"? It will be rankings of local teams (regardless of division), local players and starting this week, the top five local games that could have an effect on who travels to Gillette Stadium Memorial Day weekend to fight for the National Championship. With most polls, there will be discussions of what was included, what was left out, all the who's why's and all that fun stuff. Whether you're a field fan, or just a lax junkie, it is my hope that you will enjoy this look at all of the great lacrosse programs we have in this area. With that in mind, here are:
LaxPhilly's Local Five games of the 2008 season.
1. Virginia at Drexel (February 17)
In 2006, this was a near upset in the making. Drexel was tied early in the 3rd quarter before a Viriginia run put the Wahoos on the road to the NCAA title. In 2007, this was a huge upset as a late Drexel goal gave the Dragons a true signature win. And while Virginia returns a heralded offense, led by Senior Ben Rubeor and Juniors Danny Glading and Garrett Billings, along with top high school recruits Rhamel and Shamel Bratton, the Dragons have Goalie Bruce Bickford manning the nets for his Senior season, along with Junior attack Andrew Chapman. This game will be well worth the trip.
2. Salisbury at Widener (March 1)
The NCAA's current version of a dynasty, the Seagulls have only won 92 of their last 93 games and once again are Division III's title holder's. Widener schedules their non-conference games much like John Chaney did with Temple basketball: they don't back away from a top rated team. Last season the Pride stayed close in the regular season and didn't get embarrassed in the NCAA rematch in May. Can they knock off the lacrosse juggernaut? We shall see.
3. Notre Dame at Villanova (March 4)
The Irish, led by 40 goal scorer Ryan Hoff and Goalie Joey Kemp, are considered by some to be a top 10 team. Villanova is looking to rebound from a .500 season in 2007 and make some noise in the exciting Colonial Athletic Association.
4. Drexel at Delaware (April 9)
A matchup that could have serious implications on who wins the conference and who may get an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. In 2007 Drexel won the regular season matchup while the Blue Hens took the rematch in the CAA tourney. Drexel wants to do what Delaware did in 2007, Delaware wants that and more.
5. Cornell at Princeton (April 19)
A matchup that could be for the Ivy League title. Cornell is looking to return to the Final Four and this time reach the title game while Princeton is looking for a return to their glory years. Look for low scoring and tight defense. Though a fun matchup to watch will be Cornell's Max Seibald up against Princeton's Dan Cocoziello.
Honorable Mention
A pair of intriguing games on February 23 when Drexel goes next door to Penn and Cabrini visits Widener. Cornell at Penn on March 29 could prove quite interesting as well. Villanova and Delaware had a wild shootout last season, they'll meet in Newark on March 22.
Our next Local Five will focus on some of the area's top players.
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