A Look at the Ivy League

(In predicted order of finish)

1. Princeton

Princeton Coach Bill Tierney is looking to build a tradition of excellence in Tigertown. His squads have racked up 23 wins in the past two seasons, including two NCAA Tournament quarterfinal appearances.

The Princeton offense rests on the shoulders of attackers senior Justin Tortolani (38-11-49) and sophomore assist-specialist Kevin Lowe (12-43-55).

Second-team All-America goalie Scott Bacigalupo (.670 save percentage) had a remarkable season in net last year--as a freshman--and the Baltimore, Md.-native will likely be an even more formidable goaltender this year.

By the looks of it, the Tigers are headed for great things this year, but keep in mind, Princeton has yet to prove itself in post-season action. Tierney's crew stumbled against Towson State in the quarterfinals last year, falling in triple-overtime at home.

But the Tigers have the talent: If they can make the big plays this year, the could go far.

2. Harvard

Harvard is hoping its veteran defense and bumper crop of offensive recruits can gel to produce a big year. See article above.

3. Brown

Brown, last year's Cinderella team, may be walking on broken glass this year.

With the absence of high scoring midfielders, Andy Towers (33-13-46) and Jay McMahon (33-9-42), the bears will be hard pressed to repeat their 13-1 performance of a year ago.

They will be looking for a big year out of All-America candidate goalie Pat Flynn (9.00 goals-against-average, .634 save percentage), and the potent attack tandem of Darren Lowe and Oliver Marti who combined for 71 goals last year. Senior Neil Munro (22-20-42) could also provide some punch.

4. Cornell

Unless a prolific scorer emerges, the Big Red is headed for big problems. The offense sputtered last year and the graduation of leading scorer John Snow (19-25-44) does not help. Junior midfielder John Busse (19-25-44) could be Cornell's only hope.

The defense is going to have to rally around keeper Tim Shea (9.02 gaa, .657 save percentage) to stay competitive.

With only four returning defenders, all under classmen, there could be big trouble in little Ithaca.

5. Yale

The Elis' fall from grace will probably continue this year.

With the remnants of the Bulldogs' 1990 NCAA semi-final team (including star attacker Kim Dunn) gone, the future looks bleak for the Eli.

Leading scoring threat sophomore Eric Zelko (29-9-38) hung up his stick in the off-season, so the only glimmer of hope is goalie Rich Dressler (.623 save percentage) who may get more action this year than he bargained for.

6. Pennsylvania

The Quakers entire defense returns this spring, but the team still lacks depth on the attack and in the midfield. In this tough conference, weakness bodes big losses. Last year, opposing defenses keyed on Ivy League Player of the Year Chris Conforti. Conforti is gone and so are Penn's fortunes this season.

6. Dartmouth

No one envies the Big Green. Sure, sophomore Brendan Bowler will continue to slice through opposing defenses.

But they have a head of steam churning to-wards the league cellar this year.