They're Great! M. Lax Takes on Tigers

Asked by a reporter whether he was afraid before his fight against a menacing and recently freed Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield said, "There was nothing to fear; fear can only hurt you."

The No. 2 ranked Princeton Tigers (6-1, 2-0) are the Tyson of the college lacrosse world with two consecutive national championships in its back pocket and the most intimidating team, on paper, in the country.

While no ear chomps have been reported, the comparison is also valid because the Tigers may be vulnerable this year.

Certainly, few expect Harvard to have its way with Princeton--it is too good a team for Harvard to beat easily. But there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

Only one of the Tiger's six victories has come against a top 10 opponent, and its loss against Virginia proved that it is weak at a position under-appreciated by many fans--the faceoff middie.

A great faceoff man can change the course of the game by controlling possession. He can protect momentum and facilitate scoring spurts where a hot offense scores quickly and the other team never touches the ball except to fish it out of the back of its net.

Princeton's specialist James Mitchell was the best in the game last year and he consistently got the ball to Princeton's star attack unit, comprised of Jon Hess, Jesse Hubbard and Chris Massey.

This year Mitchell is gone and the Crimson has senior Charlie Brown and freshman Adam McGowan ready to dominate Mitchell's replacement, which should keep the Tigers from making demoralizing scoring runs. If Princeton doesn't have the ball, it can't score.

Scoring is something that the trio of senior Tiger attackmen have done plenty of--they are one of the greatest attack units in the history of the collegiate game.

"What makes them so good is that their games complement each other very well," said captain Mike Ferrucci. "Individually they are all strong players, but it is the combination which makes them so potent."

Hess, last year's National Attackman of the Year, is a pure feeder who quarter-backs the offense. A matchup to watch will be the battle between Hess, and Harvard's outstanding sophomore defenseman, Jeff Psaki.

Hubbard, selected to the World Team, is a tremendous finisher who scored the winning overtime goal in the NCAA championship two years ago. He possesses a naked gun, one of the most powerful shots in the collegiate game.

Massey is a dangerous dodger who played on the same attack as Ferrucci in high school and was All-Ivy last year.

Home field advantage provides an edge. Beyond the intimidating presence of a half-dozen or so screaming, drunk Harvard hooligans, Princeton may suffer from having to play on grass, as opposed to the artificial turf it prefers.

The Crimson are approaching the game with a confidence tempered with respect. The confidence comes from its recent four-game win streak, its terrific senior class, and the excellent play of sophomore goalie Keith Cynar, who has gotten hot just in time for his biggest test of the year.

"It is a good challenge for us because we are playing well and with a lot of spirit," said Harvard Coach Scott Anderson. "The players have a very positive approach. They are not going to back into this game, but will play to win, which is the best way to do it."

The key for the Harvard defense will be to play tough individual defense and minimize the need for men to slide. Shutting down Hess will also be crucial.

Offensively, the attack will have to play an intelligent game and exploit the Crimson advantage in the midfield. It will need to score plenty of goals against a Princeton defense which is also loaded with talent, featuring two pre-season All-Americans.

"They play a disciplined defensive system without throwing a lot of big checks. They pressure you with the longsticks, shut off adjacents, and try to double when you turn your back," said sophomore Lawson Devries.

If things go right for the Crimson, expect an exciting, back and forth battle with Harvard's depth and experience matching the Tiger's offensive flair.

"We are not going to change the way we play. If we control the play between the restraining lines, win faceoffs, and get a big game from our middies we feel confident we can win this game," Ferrucci said.

Harvard, like Holyfield, is underrated and unafraid, and faces a highly touted opponent ripe for a fall tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Ohiri Field.