Johns Hopkins was able to overcome an early deficit to avenge this year’s earlier loss to University of Virginia to advance in the NCAA Tournament. With the win, the Blue Jays are able to move into the Quarterfinals and next up they face top-seeded Duke. They advanced with a strong 14-8 win over a Virginia team that finished the regular season defeating North Carolina during the ACC Tournament weekend’s showcase game.
The Jays offense used a combination of their two-man game and cycling from their motion offense to put up 14 goals. The defense didn’t allow much from outside, giving senior goalie Eric Schneider saves that he should make. Hopkins Drew Kennedy did better than 50 percent on the day, but the key was the timing of the possessions in swaying momentum towards his team when they needed it the most. He squeezed the amount of possessions Virginia got to a minimum in the second half.
Even though Wells Stanwick and Brandon Benn had a combined nine goals, Hopkins benefited from others initiating the offense. Kevin Interlicchio, a senior converted attackman, had his most productive day as a Blue Jay at the most important time. The Yorktown product started the offense dodging from behind the cage, but also produced above the goal line in scoring his lone goal on the day. The middle of the field was a point that coach Starsia wanted to make sure his Cavaliers dominated and they were physical all over. Hopkins played a disciplined and opportunistic style that won the chess game on the day.
Virginia held the advantage in the middle of the field as Kennedy won faceoffs, but the Cavaliers were able to gain possessions with turnovers before the Jays could establish possession with their attack unit holding the ball. When Virginia did have the ball, they were not able to get the best shots possible and were forced to settle for outside chances that Hopkins defense was willing to give up. When the ball went inside early, UVA was able to score but Hopkins tightened up and left the Cavs on the perimeter the rest of the game.
Hopkins offense was best described as opportunities and found the holes in the Virginia defense often. Their motion offense worked seamlessly and their passing was able to get the ball to the right player continuously. Virginia’s defense was chasing players, which left gaps that Hopkins was able to capitalize on. All game, the Cavaliers goalie was beaten on goals that he had little chance at saving. With Hopkins personnel, there was little hope that Jays would misfire on the shots they were getting.
These two teams are the better teams in the nation year in and year out. The best players in the nation all think about getting their chance to play as a Blue Jay and Cavalier growing up, so there was a wealth of talent on display all over the field. The clash in styles was not necessarily visible with Hopkins getting to 14, but both coaches saw the game very differently going in.
Hopkins wanted to play a disciplined style, making the most of what they could get. They must have felt that they didn’t need to take chances because they were going to be in the game until the very end. Virginia, by their own account, wanted to play the physical, up and down style that they have been known for. With that style, they become a tidal wave for opponents that just doesn’t let up until the final whistle blows. When the pace of the game didn’t favor the Cavaliers style, Hopkins superior stick skills shined on the day.
As the Jays move on to next weekend’s game against Duke, there will be big match up battles that will have lacrosse fans excited. When these teams would face each other during the regular season in years past, Duke would typically dominate the style of play with an open, physical bombardment. As they would meet again in the playoffs, the Jays’ style usually got the best of Duke.
Drew Kennedy and Brendan Fowler will be a battle. Can one of these two get the best of their opposition on the day? Duke’s defense typically pressures their opponents, so will they continue the trend when they face a good Hopkins attack unit? Hopkins defense is big, so will they be able to contain the smaller, quicker Duke attack. Which offensive midfield will have the upper hand? Duke’s midfield may be the best in the nation and Hopkins is quietly effective in their new offense?
If the Blue Jays can continue the workman like effort that they gave the Cavaliers, it is going to be a grudge match this weekend. Duke is the highest seed in the tournament and deservedly so. The winner of this contest will prove to the nation, and themselves, that they will have certainly earned this year’s championship by going through the toughest competition possible.
– Brian Davies
@briandavies15
