The upset that wasn't

Since my colleagues can elaborate on the Ravens, I'll offer up some memories from this past college lacrosse season. Maryland's return to prominence was uplifting, while downturns for Johns Hopkins and Navy (in the eyes of those respective programs) were somewhat surprising. A contract extension for Towson coach Tony Seaman was welcomed, but I was stunned by the Terps' decision to part ways with Dave Cottle, which ups the ante for his successor, John Tillman.

The tragic death of Cockeysville native and Virginia women's lacrosse player Yeardley Love cast a pall over the sport and appeared to have drained the men's team, which was expected by many to capture the national championship. For my money, the most thrilling game in the NCAA Tournament that I witnessed was the Cavaliers' 10-9 escape against Stony Brook in the quarterfinals. As much as I was on deadline trying to write Cornell's 14-5 demolition of tournament darling Army in the other quarterfinal at Stony Brook, I couldn't help but notice the energy and excitement from the pro-Seawolves crowd at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium. Every play in Stony Brook's favor was greeted by tremendous applause, while every play for Virginia was met with groans.

Since Duke edged Notre Dame, 6-5, in overtime for the national title, I've heard and read comments from fans who wailed about the state of the sport. I agree that the offensive fireworks were sorely missed, but I also appreciated the defensive chess match between both coaching staffs. And C.J. Costabile's game-winning goal off the face-off and five seconds into the extra period was simply graceful. And I doubt few could find fault with the national championship going home with Blue Devils coach John Danowski, one of the more modest and high-character coaches in the sport.