Oct. 12, 2008

by Matt DaSilva, Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Jeff Tambroni wondered what happened to the relentless brand of Cornell men's lacrosse in 2008. Where was the reckless abandon that had come to define the Big Red's resurgence the previous year?

"We walked off the field last year [after a 15-7 loss to Ohio State in the NCAA tournament] just disappointed...based on how we competed and played inconsistently throughout the season," Tambroni, the Big Red's ninth-year head coach, said Saturday at the Navy Fall Ball Tournament. "Teams like Ohio State, I felt they played a lot harder than us. So I think we've tried to instill a different tactic to fall ball."

Fall ball felt more like a formality at the sun-soaked U.S. Naval Academy. Cornell, Ohio State and host Navy were joined by Georgetown, Johns Hopkins and Virginia - all considered NCAA Division I tournament contenders in 2009 - in the most-densely talented event among many across the country Saturday.

The Big Red, perhaps with the most to prove, looked the least sharp. Injuries and absences forced Tambroni to experiment with different combinations. Cornell's defense took a severe hit this fall when junior Max Dorne and senior Nick Gradinger were forced to "retire," Tambroni said, because of back injuries.

The Big Red was also without All-American defenseman Matt Moyer, who had offseason knee surgery. Midfielder John Glynn and goalie Jake Myers, each of whom was granted a fifth year of eligibility, will not join Cornell until the spring.

To compensate defensively, Pierce Derkac and Andrew MacDonald, ordinarily transition players, rotated on close defense with John Decker, Courtney Baker and Max Feely. They struggled, especially handling the ball against Navy's relentless ride, in a loss during Saturday's early session.

Although Myers edged Mat Martinez for the starting job between the pipes in '08, Tambroni hinted that he would reopen the goalie competition for '09. Martinez saw a lot of shots Saturday, but played well.

"The goalie position will be more competitive and, hopefully, stronger come spring," he said.

Although Cornell appeared to be set at attack in returning Ryan Hurley, Chris Finn, John Espey, Christopher Ritchie and George Calvert, freshman Rob Pannell earned a start and has emerged as an X-factor among the veteran bunch. Tambroni cited Pannell, the leading scorer on Long Island with 130 points for Smithtown (N.Y.) West High School in 2007 before spending a college preparatory year at the Deerfield Academy, and lanky midfielder Roy Lang as "two guys in the freshman class that have stepped up to put themselves in a position to play."

Max in the mix at `X'

Of the six teams participating Saturday, Cornell has the fewest questions on faceoffs. Tommy Schmicker was over 60 percent last season. But Tambroni likes to throw in Tewaaraton Trophy candidate Max Seibald for a change of pace. Seibald showed why in the third quarter against Navy.

When Navy was whistled for illegal procedure, Seibald clenched the ball in his stick and was in the offensive zone well before the Midshipmen could substitute. Navy's defense, slow to slide, could only watch as Seibald bull-dodged the right alley and sent a shot scorching into the goal.

"He's certainly going to get his reps," Tambroni said of Seibald.

Stanwick hobbled, scores anyway

Virginia freshman Steele Stanwick was limited by an ankle injury Saturday, but still managed to score a goal and make a few timely feeds in UVA's scrimmage against Georgetown. Cavs head coach Dom Starsia said it's a testament to Stanwick's quarterbacking ability on attack that emphasizes vision over maneuverability. "He ran around a little bit," Starsia said, "but in a fairly limited capacity."

No hiding, no peaking

Players from all six teams wore their actual jersey numbers, but Georgetown head coach Dave Urick said he wasn't looking to scout any players but his own.

"Our approach in the fall may be different than some others. We only go three times a week," Urick said. "I've got a tough enough time trying to learn my own guys' names, never mind the other guys' names."'

The Hoyas' defense shined in games against Virginia and Johns Hopkins - specifically the man-down unit. Of special teams, Urick said, "We're fortunate that our man-down guys are pretty experienced. The extra-man [offense], there are some new faces. But if you're going to have it one way or the other, that's the way you'd want to have it."