Two very different teams and back stories are the Big Show in this year’s NCAA D-I Lacrosse Championship. Both semifinals were the tightest games of the postseason, each game a one-point decider and one game a repeat OT thriller. Some argue it’s another east versus west game. I argue it’s an old school versus new school game.
Both teams are surprisingly similar despite different approaches and playing styles. Both have well put-together offenses, capable defenses and a faceoff dominator.
DU has long awaited this moment. With four appearances in the past five years, they’ve gone home empty handed every time. They say when you win, nothing hurts; however when you lose in the same fashion repeatedly, it’s self-destructive with a long ride home.
MARYLAND
Faceoff king Charlie Raffa—the offensive and team momentum of the Terps. You hear sportscasters and spectators say it. Yes, they’re a well-rounded team, one of the best this season. That’s why they deserve to play Denver, as both teams are the two most rounded, but when it comes down to it, Raffa is the ‘Energizer Bunny’ of the team.
In yesterday’s squeezer-winner for the Terps, Raffa won 14 of 26 faceoffs. He also went 100 percent shooting on the day as he made the one the shot he took. Fast hands, physicality, determination. I’ve seen Raffa in action, and to see someone that bandaged up for every game playing with the intensity he does is truly motivational, and Maryland builds on it.
Lacrosse is not a one-man sport, especially in the championship. Matt Rambo and Jay Carlson were scoring leaders against Hopkins yesterday with six and four points respectively. Both Hopkins and Denver take an astounding amount of team offense to overcome, but it also needs hammers like Rambo and Carlson to punch points onto the scoreboard.
Six different offensive players scored for Maryland in the semifinal game, accumulating 12 points. Kyle Bernlohr performed adequately in goal for Maryland. There were a few killer saves on his behalf that were game changers, but overall he will need to step up his game for an opponent like the Pioneers.
Two major points of consideration for Maryland:
Penalties. They had four minutes worth in the semifinal. Despite winning over Hopkins, those minutes must be reduced to a minimum in order to take a team like DU who can capitalize on man-up opportunities very well.
The majority of the Terps’ goals come from team offense and assists. If they can keep that up against Denver, that’ll make for a scary offense against Ryan LaPlante.
DENVER
They’re Pioneering lacrosse history, plain and simple. They already did yesterday when they finally punched a ticket to the Championship game for the first time in program history. Very well rounded, this squad has been in the making for about 3-4 years now. Wes Berg and Connor Cannizzaro have been godsends to this team, while Zach Miller, Erik Adamson, Pat Karole, LaPlante and many others combine for the potential ‘Dream Team.’
Straight up, no chaser the Pioneers have proven this year that they are finishers. They absolutely refuse to lose. This morning on ESPN SportsCenter, when speaking on the NBA finals, the sportscaster talked a lot about a team wanting it more. It’s clear Denver wants this title the most this year.
For one, Ryan LaPlante is phenomenal in goal when he needs to be. In yesterday’s semifinal, he made 13 saves, only allowing 10. Was that 10th allowance the scariest ever? Most definitely. Were the 13 others perfect, of course.
Berg proved to be the power I mentioned in the semifinal preview. He used his body to his advantage. For one, to go behind-the-back-through-the-five-hole to bring the score to 10-6 was an absolutely disgusting shot. Then, his cannon in OT proved he wants it.
Connor Cannizzaro was quieter in the game, but still had impacts, He scored one goal and his older brother had an assist. However, it was Zach Miller and Tyler Pace who were also dominant on offense with two goals a piece and one and two assists respectively.
The Pioneers were able to stay outside of the penalty box for 59 of the 62 and change game minutes. Baptiste won 15-of-24 faceoffs.
THE BIG SHOW
Could the faceoff specialists for either team be any more similar? They’re both mainly FOGOs, both can score on a fast break faceoff win, Baptiste can play defense, and both are the momentum builders for their team. This championship faceoff game is sure to rock.
Not to mention, any type of season-long planning these two teams have been doing is gone out the window. Tomorrow, on USA’s Memorial Day, it doesn’t matter how these teams win, just that they do.
Denver will surely attack aggressively on offense and try to size up Maryland’s defense. Their own defense (Pioneers) will want to play out and against the ball, but I foresee Tierney reminding them to stay tight and smart.
Maryland’s defense will go out to the ball, and that’s where I think the Pio’s will win the game. This is Denver’s story in 2015, it’s theirs for the taking. Maryland is just along for the ride in their eyes.
