Wednesday’s edition of The Baltimore Sun will include a feature on Big Red senior midfielder and Tewaaraton Trophy finalist Max Seibald, but Cornell’s run to the final four is somewhat surprising considering the injuries the team had to overcome.

Starting defensemen Nick Gradinger and Max Dorne missed the entire season with back injuries, senior midfielder Tommy Schmicker tore a knee ligament on March 17, and senior midfielder and faceoff specialist John Glynn has been playing despite a dislocated right elbow.

"Guys have carried the load, whether it’s big or small, and we have had some unfortunate situations due to injury this year, especially at the faceoff ‘X’ and the defensive end," coach Jeff Tambroni said. "But thankfully, guys have stepped up at the appropriate times and have been prepared to do so at the appropriate times, enabling us to kind of keep that momentum and have small successes along the way."

It also helps to have the leading candidate for Freshman of the Year on your squad. Attackman Rob Pannell ranks third in the country in assists (38) and eighth in points (59). But his value is not just limited to personal statistics, according to Tambroni.

"He sees the field so well, and he plays with such great maturity," Tambroni said. "Our other two attackmen, Chris Finn and Ryan Hurley, can really get comfortable and kind of settle into the roles that they’re most suited for. He’s also allowed our midfield – especially guys like Max Seibald and John Glynn – a little bit more freedom and room up top. Last year, I felt like defenses really pushed up top when the ball was behind, and they didn’t slide very often below the goal line, which made it very difficult for those middies up top. Now we feel like we have a little bit more of a presence back on the attack, which allows Max and John a little more freedom up top. So his impact is immeasurable."