In previous seasons, the battle of Charles Street wasn't much of a battle, just a formality. Johns Hopkins vs. Loyola was nothing more than a late-season pit stop and tuneup for the Blue Jays before they went on to the NCAA Division I tournament.
Not anymore.
Because of a tough schedule and some quality wins, No. 7 Hopkins (7-4) will still probably make the 16-team tournament field even if it loses to host and No. 18 Loyola (6-5) on Saturday. The Greyhounds are on the bubble, and if they win, they're probably in because they already have a quality win against No. 5 Georgetown (9-2).
And if they lose ...
Well, it has become a playoff situation for Loyola.
"This is a great position to be in because we haven't been in this position the past couple of years," Loyola coach Charley Toomey said. "All you want late in the season is to have a chance, and we have a chance. Usually, this game has been just about Charles Street, but nothing else. Believe me, our kids know the importance of this game."
So does Hopkins coach Dave Pietramala.
The Blue Jays, defending national champions, have won two straight but are far from being the dominant team they were a year ago. A mini-winning streak would give the Blue Jays some confidence heading into the postseason.
But Loyola is 4-0 at home on Geppi-Aikens Field, where nothing comes easy against the Greyhounds.
"We haven't had a lot of games at home, but that was one of our goals at the beginning of the season, to go unbeaten here," Toomey said. "We've played with a lot of confidence here."
There wasn't much confidence when the season started in February. Only two months before, Toomey had unexpectedly replaced former coach Bill Dirrigl. Toomey had to quickly form a staff and put together a philosophy and schemes. The defense was no problem. Toomey was a two-time All-America goalie at Loyola, graduating in 1990.
Offense was a problem until the Greyhounds brought in Bobby Benson, a former player at Hopkins and assistant at UMBC. In previous years, the Greyhounds' offense was dull, unimaginative and motionless. Now, there are some pick and rolls, and motion. Attackmen aren't just shooting on the first look, but passing the ball around.
In the past three games, Loyola has scored 14, 12 and 11 goals. Eighty of the team's 112 goals have been assisted. When you watch Loyola play, you can see the Hopkins influence in the offense.
