But Sunday, two opposing finalists for the award will find themselves on the same half of the field when third-seeded Duke meets Colgate in an NCAA quarterfinal in Chester, Pa. (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU).
Although Duke's nominee, senior long-stick midfielder CJ Costabile, plays a primarily defensive position, there is definitely an offensive component to his game. Indeed, he is responsible for the most famous goal in Blue Devils' lacrosse history, the game-winner off the overtime face-off in the 2010 national final against Notre Dame.
"I guess we'll try to top it by winning another championship," he says. "It would be really cool to go out on top as a senior. Sixteen teams enter this tournament, and only one gets to end on a winning note. But having said that, first and foremost we've got to play Colgate."
Ah yes, Colgate. The Raiders won in the NCAA tournament for the first time a week ago at then-unbeaten Massachusetts, but they're every bit as talented as the more decorated programs still competing.
Their Tewaaraton contender is junior attackman Peter Baum, whose 60 goals and 96 total points lead the nation. He was limited to two goals and an assist in Colgate's 13-11 victory last week, but four teammates notched two goals apiece to pick up the slack.
"I didn't have my best day, but that's what this sport is about," Baum says. "It's a team sport. Sometimes I have to pick my teammates up, and during that game they definitely picked me up. I think we showed we're really a deep team. We got four goals from our second midfield. That's a coach's dream."
While Baum's lofty numbers make him a clear Tewaaraton candidate, Costabile's recognition stems from the versatility he brings to his position.
In addition to his responsibilities defending the opposing top midfield scoring threat, Costabile has remained a fixture on the face-off unit. He'll take the draw himself, as he has done 231 times this season and won 119 for a .515 success rate, or he'll help secure possession on the wing. Altogether, he has 121 ground balls this season, a 6.72 average good for eighth in the country, as well as 18 caused turnovers.
He still has the speed he demonstrated on that famous highlight two years ago. He has six goals and four assists in transition this season.
"Historically speaking, guys at long pole have been told to run off as soon as the team crosses the midline," Costabile says. "But if you have a pole that can carry the ball, you can create a lot of havoc. You just develop a feel for it. You have to read the transition situation and make smart decisions."
Baum's path to the Tewaaraton nomination from his attack position is more traditional, but his path to the collegiate game from Lincoln High in Portland, Ore., wasn't. Fortunately for Raiders fans, his parents and several other family members attended Colgate.
"It is growing tremendously," Baum says of the sport's westward expansion. "I still had to make an effort to come east and play in tournaments. That's still the way it is if you want college coaches to see you. But another guy from my high school (Henry Schoonmaker) scored a goal for Syracuse in the tournament against Duke last week, and there's another who plays for Denver (Patrick Rogers) and another on the way. I'm really proud of that."
Though Baum and Costabile aren't likely to be matched one-on-one, the finalists might encounter each other on slides or in extra-man situations. But both are eager for the challenge.
"Trying to deal with a guy like C.J. is going to be a whole-team process," Baum says. "You've got to be physical with him and challenge him on ground balls. It'll be fun to see him on the field."
Says Costabile: "I haven't seen a lot of Colgate yet, but I watched them play UMass. Peter had a great time-and-room shot coming off a pick there when they needed a goal. They have a system, and he really understands his role."
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomCollegeSports-TopStories/~3/xvWR96MH-iM/1
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