NCAA berths hang in the balance for Elis: Men's Lacrosse

JULIA TIERNAN/YH Brad Graw, MC '99, is one of many senior attackers who have inspired the men's team to increase its intensity in the last few weeks.

"I think a lot of individuals took it upon themselves to score," Chris McIntyre,
SY '00, said. McIntyre, Coddy Johnson,
DC '99, and Nick Milone, SY '00, all tallied three goals that day. McIntyre also added three assists to cap his career best day in points.

"It was the most fun I have had since I came to Yale," McIntyre said. "Personally, I have been trying to spend more time above the goal, while before I was behind the goal feeding. Remaining high translated into more goals."

John Tonzola, DC '99, led the team with four goals, a career high for him as well. He believes the Bulldogs were ready from the start. "We were expecting them to come out early playing aggressively. They played how we expected them to play," he said. "We were able to execute how we knew we could."

Anticipating their opponents' play enabled the Bulldogs to prepare themselves. "We knew we would have to dodge and draw the double team. It made them a little hesitant to play aggressive after we scored early," Tonzola said. "Because we were able to get out on them early, it set the level of intensity. By the fourth quarter, [Yale] was not tired because of the adrenaline."

Tonzola was quick to point out that Yale's agressiveness in last week's game started on the practice field. "Coach has been putting a lot of heat on us," he said.

Head coach Mike Waldvogel admitted a change in his approach with the players. "I have been a little been more forceful and demanding in our play," he said. "We weren't focused enough, so I put more pressure on the seniors to step up."

After Saturday's win against Towson, the Bulldogs' focus remained strong. Going into their game against Dartmouth on Wed., Apr. 25, the players realized they needed to win in order to keep their hopes alive for a second-place league finish.

"The most important thing for us to do is stay focused," captain Joe Pilch, SM '99, said. "We were picked preseason last in the league. To finish second would be great for the team."

Against Dartmouth, the Bulldogs came out a little too strong. "We were being so aggressive that we were creating for them," Pilch said. After settling down at halftime, though, with the scored tied 4-4, the Elis were able to run away from the
Big Green. Under the leadership of McIntyre, who netted yet another three goals, Yale won, 10-5.

Now the Bulldogs have only one league game left, against Harvard on Fri., Apr. 24. Although the Elis are ranked No. 18 and are favored over Harvard (3-7, 1-3 Ivy), they aren't resting on their laurels just yet. "None of that [rankings and predictions] matters when you are playing Harvard," Waldvogel said. "They are always ready for us."

Waldvogel identified an unusual problem that his team will have to overcome. With the semester coming to a close, the amount of sleep the players get is minimal because they are writing papers and studying for finals, as opposed to the Harvard players, who have a couple weeks left until their term ends. "The Harvard game is always a tough one because of the internal pressure players put on themselves," Waldvogel said. "In addition, we need to get some sleep and stay focused."

After Harvard, all that remains is the game against Maryland on Sat., May 1. When the Terrapins, who are ranked in the national top 10, come to New Haven, they will be playing a Yale team that could be vying for some serious stakes. Although it remains unlikely, the Bulldogs still have a shot at an NCAA tournament bid. Convincing wins against Harvard and Maryland could earn one Yale of the 12 available slots.

"The chance is definitely realistic," Tonzola said. "The tournament selection committee selects teams that have been playing well right before the tournament. If we win the rest of our games, we put ourselves in good position." Waldvogel was not as openly optimistic, but he did note that "it would put a lot of pressure on the [selection] committee if we beat Maryland."

One thing is for sure--if Yale's offense continues to blossom, the Elis will stand a good chance of winning their remaining two games. If that should occur, their NCAA fate will be in the hands in the selection committee.

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