Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFinal four: Players to watch
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Posted: 5/22/09, 12:30 PM EST Section: Final Four '09
Cornell
Ryan Hurley:
When looking at Cornell's season statistics, the numbers don't lie: The Big Red thrive on Ryan Hurley. He almost doubles any other teammate in goals, with 41 total on the season. For opposing defenses, the question isn't if Hurley will get quality scoring chances, but when. Hurley uses his 6-foot-3 185-pound frame to find a bevy of wide-open shots, forcing the attention of most teams' primary defenders. However, Hurley has struggled with his accuracy at times. In a game against Hofstra earlier this season, Hurley was given nine different looks on goal, converting only one on an empty net.
Max Seibald:
At Cornell's 2008 banquet, head coach Jeff Tambroni named Seibald the team's first solo captain since 1966. And with good reason. A two-way player, Seibald offers a strong hand on the Big Red attack - tallying 34 points on 25 goals and nine assists - but also on the defensive end. A poor man's Matt Abbott, Seibald is a key cog in the Big Red transition, acting as the catalyst for a potentially explosive Cornell offense. But more than that, Seibald will secure his team some much needed possessions, scooping 41 ground balls while contributing as the Big Red's secondary faceoff man, winning 19-of-21 attempts.
Jake Myers:
It almost goes without syaing that goalkeeping is a huge part of this final four, and Jake Myers is no exception. Despite splitting time with Kyle Harer this season, Myers was the guy in a defensively-charged upset over Princeton. In a game that boasted just 10 total goals, eyers was able to hold the potent Tiger attack to just four. However, the challenge for Myers this time is the nation's top offensive team in Virginia. Can Meyer manage a game like he did against Princeton when facing an offense that has six viable scoring options? If he can, the Big Red may be able to punch its ticket to the championship game.
Duke
Ned Crotty:
Crotty leads the nation with 76 points this season, averaging 4.22 a contest, which is second to Syracuse's Kenny Nims. Though Crotty scored 23 goals this season, 53 (69.7 percent) of his points came off assists, showing the 6-foot-2, 190-pound force knows how to take care of his teammates.
Ryan Hurley:
When looking at Cornell's season statistics, the numbers don't lie: The Big Red thrive on Ryan Hurley. He almost doubles any other teammate in goals, with 41 total on the season. For opposing defenses, the question isn't if Hurley will get quality scoring chances, but when. Hurley uses his 6-foot-3 185-pound frame to find a bevy of wide-open shots, forcing the attention of most teams' primary defenders. However, Hurley has struggled with his accuracy at times. In a game against Hofstra earlier this season, Hurley was given nine different looks on goal, converting only one on an empty net.
Max Seibald:
At Cornell's 2008 banquet, head coach Jeff Tambroni named Seibald the team's first solo captain since 1966. And with good reason. A two-way player, Seibald offers a strong hand on the Big Red attack - tallying 34 points on 25 goals and nine assists - but also on the defensive end. A poor man's Matt Abbott, Seibald is a key cog in the Big Red transition, acting as the catalyst for a potentially explosive Cornell offense. But more than that, Seibald will secure his team some much needed possessions, scooping 41 ground balls while contributing as the Big Red's secondary faceoff man, winning 19-of-21 attempts.
Jake Myers:
It almost goes without syaing that goalkeeping is a huge part of this final four, and Jake Myers is no exception. Despite splitting time with Kyle Harer this season, Myers was the guy in a defensively-charged upset over Princeton. In a game that boasted just 10 total goals, eyers was able to hold the potent Tiger attack to just four. However, the challenge for Myers this time is the nation's top offensive team in Virginia. Can Meyer manage a game like he did against Princeton when facing an offense that has six viable scoring options? If he can, the Big Red may be able to punch its ticket to the championship game.
Duke
Ned Crotty:
Crotty leads the nation with 76 points this season, averaging 4.22 a contest, which is second to Syracuse's Kenny Nims. Though Crotty scored 23 goals this season, 53 (69.7 percent) of his points came off assists, showing the 6-foot-2, 190-pound force knows how to take care of his teammates.
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