1. Syracuse -- The most balanced Orange team since the team won it all in 2004.
2. Virginia -- Attackman Ben Rubeor could be this year's Matt Ward.
3. Johns Hopkins -- The defense gave up at least 10 goals five times in 2006. Not this year.
4. Cornell* -- The Big Red is primed for its first final four trip since 1988.
5. Duke -- The recovery is in good hands with coach John Danowski and son Matt.
6. Princeton -- Junior goalie Alex Hewit is so good he might record a shutout.
7. Maryland -- With Joe Walters gone, the offense must find a new go-to guy.
8. Massachusetts* -- The Minutemen lost a lot, but the program has arrived.
Unseeded teams
Georgetown -- Five straight losses in the quarterfinals. Is it time for the Hoyas?
Delaware* -- With a potent offense and Alex Smith facing off, this is a dangerous group.
Navy* -- The Mids will miss Matt Russell in goal, but are still the class of Patriot League.
Loyola -- Senior leadership drags the Greyhounds to their first tournament since 2001.
Towson -- Coach Tony Seaman finds another way to keep the Tigers competitive.
UMBC* -- The Retrievers are young, but sophomore goalie Jeremy Blevins plays old.
Denver* -- Replacing faceoff ace Geoff Snider is quite a challenge for the Pioneers.
Providence* -- The Friars will battle Mount St. Mary's again for the MAAC title.
*-Automatic qualifier