By Ryan McCord
The Chronicle’s Final Four Picks
Virginia: As the only undefeated team left playing at 13-0, the No. 1 overall seed in this year’s tournament is undoubtedly the favorite to continue to run the table the same way Johns Hopkins did last season. The Cavaliers, who upended No. 2 seeded Maryland twice on the road by a combined score of 26-10, are locked and loaded offensively. Any loss short of the championship game would be a disappointment. However, defending champion Hopkins or surging Syracuse should not be overlooked, and could both be formidable opponents in the national semifinals.
Syracuse: Winners of seven straight and one of the hottest team’s in the country, the Orange are a popular Final Four pick these days given the program’s recent track record in the tournament. Head coach John Desko has guided the program to six consecutive Final Fours, including wins in 2000, 2002 and 2004. Senior Brett Bucktooth cannot be stopped as of late, registering six straight hat tricks to lead the Orange offensively.
Hofstra: Critics will downplay the Pride’s success, suggesting the team benefited from playing a weak CAA schedule combined with the fact that Syracuse, Duke and Hopkins all had subpar seasons. Nevertheless, one could also make the case that this is the most balanced team in the tournament. Consistency, benevolence and leadership are the staples of what shapes Hofstra as a legitimate national title contender. The Pride will have their work cut out for them early, as a possible quarterfinal rematch with UMass or a Final Four-caliber team in Cornell will stand in the way of the programs first Final Four appearance.
Maryland: As they say in College Park, “Fear the Turtle.” Despite their forgettable performances against Virginia, the Terps were granted the No. 2 overall seed in the tournament thanks to perhaps the nation’s most difficult schedule. Led on offense by ACC Player of the Year and all-time leading scorer Joe Walters, Maryland averaged almost 10 goals per game. Defense is also a key ingredient to success. Virginia was the only team to score more than 10 goals against the Terps, who will have their hands full against Hofstra’s three-headed attacking monster of Athan Iannucci, Chris Unterstein and Tom Dooley in the semifinal should the two teams meet.