Outlook: For only the second time in the last six years, the Big Red did not reach the Final Four. That won't sit well with a proud group headlined by Pannell, whose runaway candidacy for the Tewaaraton Award was derailed by Virginia attackman Steele Stanwick's run in the postseason. All eyes will be on Fiore and whether he can be a more consistent performer in high-pressure settings.
Harvard
Ivy League
Last season: 10-6, no NCAA tournament
Coach: Chris Wojcik (second season)
Top returning scorer
Jeff Cohen, senior A (31, 2)
Other key returnees
Kevin Vaughan, senior A (19, 8)
Terry White, senior M (15, 7)
Jason Gonos, junior D (27 ground balls, 13 caused turnovers)
Harry Krieger, junior G (9.38 GAA, .539 save percentage)
Key newcomers
Sean Mahon, freshman M
Brian Fischer, freshman D
Stephen Jahelka, freshman D
Outlook: In Wojcik's first year as head coach, the Crimson collected the most wins in program history since 1998. The next step is getting to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2006. Cohen and Vaughan lead a potent offense, while Gonos and Krieger headline the defense. If several standout freshmen can contribute, Harvard could challenge Cornell for league supremacy.
Massachusetts
Colonial Athletic Association
Last season: 10-5, no NCAA tournament
Coach: Greg Cannella (18th season, 149-95)
Top returning scorer
Will Manny, junior A (22, 23)
Other key returnees
Art Kell, senior A (28, 16)
Tom Celentani, senior D (34 ground balls, 22 caused turnovers)
Jake Smith, junior D (25 ground balls, 25 caused turnovers)
Tim McCormack, redshirt senior G (8.33 , .548 save percentage)
Key newcomers
Grant Whiteway, freshman A
Ryan Izzo, redshirt freshman M
Larry Gilligan, freshman D
Outlook: The Minutemen are eager to rebound from last year's setback to Delaware in the CAA tournament final. To do so, they will lean on the 1-2 punch of Manny and Kell. The defense welcomes back four starters in McCormack, Celentani, Smith and senior defenseman Greg Anderson, but the group is not deep and must avoid significant injuries.
North Carolina
Atlantic Coast Conference
Last season: 10-6, NCAA quarterfinalist
Coach: Joe Breschi (fourth season, 35-15; 15th season overall, 127-78)
Top returning scorer
Nicky Galasso, sophomore A (24, 32)
Other key returnees
Thomas Wood, senior A (21, 13)
Marcus Holman, junior A (23, 5)
R.G. Keenan, sophomore F-O (109 ground balls, .595 faceoff percentage)
Steven Rastivo, redshirt junior G (8.18 GAA, .534 save percentage)
Key newcomers
Jack McBride, senior A
Davey Emala, junior A
Ryan Kilpatrick, freshman LSM
Outlook: Is there such a thing as too much talent? The Tar Heels are about to find out as McBride and Emala — transfers from Princeton and Georgetown, respectively — add to a crowded attack. Holman and Wood could shift to midfield, which also includes senior Jimmy Dunster (13, 8) and sophomore Pat Foster. It will be up to Rastivo and the defense to fulfill their end of the bargain.
Notre Dame
Big East Conference
Last season: 11-3, NCAA quarterfinalist
Coach: Kevin Corrigan (24th season, 217-106; 26th season, 227-121)
Top returning scorer
Sean Rogers, senior A (18, 7)
Other key returnees
Max Pfeifer, senior M (9, 8)
Kevin Randall, senior D (10 ground balls, 5 caused turnovers)
Bobby Smith, senior LSM (18 ground balls, 8 caused turnovers)
John Kemp, junior G (6.60 GAA, .602 save percentage)
Key newcomers
Conor Doyle, freshman A
Henry Williams, freshman LSM
Jack Near Jr., freshman M
Outlook: A defense that ranked second in the nation in goals allowed in 2011 figures to be the foundation again this season. Kemp, Randall and Smith will anchor the unit, which lost a projected starter in senior defenseman Jake Brems (18 ground balls, 5 caused turnovers) to a season-ending knee injury. Can the Fighting Irish ignite some offense from an overlooked attack unit?
Syracuse
Big East Conference
Last season: 15-2, NCAA quarterfinalist
Coach: John Desko (14th season, 162-46)
Top returning scorer
JoJo Marasco, junior M (23, 18)
Other key returnees
Tom Palasek, senior A (17, 18)
Tim Desko, senior A (16, 3)
Brian Megill, junior D (34 ground balls, 27 caused turnovers)
Kevin Drew, senior M (33 ground balls, 11 caused turnovers)
Key newcomers
Luke Cometti, junior M
Hakeem Lecky, redshirt freshman M
Brandon Mullins, freshman D
Outlook: Back-to-back appearances in the NCAA tournament without reaching the semifinals usually don't sit well with this proud program. So plans have been underway to restore the Orange's championship pedigree. Marasco will shoulder the load as the team's most experienced offensive player, but can he lead a young group? The onus will be on sophomore goalie Matthew Lerman to bolster the defense.
