Desko on whether he was surprised by Cornell’s performance against Virginia: "I think right after our game [on April 7], they showed a lot of character, too. All of a sudden, we look up and it’s 12-10 and it’s anybody’s game. And then we were fortunate and pulled a few out there in the end. But I think after our game, I’ve seen a little bit of a change in them. They really value their possessions, they’re playing great team defense, they’re really sliding well and recovering. And [senior goalkeeper] Jake [Myers is] making some good saves in the goal for them, which makes them even tougher. So I think they’re playing really well. I think their senior group has really gotten them there and is really leading them, and they’re playing extremely well, and we’ve got to be ready for everything they do."

Desko on whether the Orange have an advantage against Myers, who spent his freshman and sophomore years with Syracuse before transferring to Cornell after the 2006 season: "I think we’re both different. I think Jake’s different than he was when he was at Syracuse. He’s a starter there – for two years now. He’s seen a lot of lacrosse. I think anyone will tell you that it’s one thing to work hard in practice, but that game experience is huge, and he’s got a lot of it now, and look what he’s done. He’s brought this team back to the national championship game. So he’s got to be playing with a lot of confidence. I’m sure knowing our guys makes him be more confident. He’s more familiar with us."

Desko on whether he wishes Myers had stayed with the Orange: "He was great for the, team, but I think he did what was best for him. You see where we are in the goal, and we’re pretty happy with our guys. I think for him to leave and go there and have a chance to play – which is what he wanted to do – he’s succeeded in that. So we’re happy for him."

Desko on rivalry with the Big Red: "I think it has been kind of a renewed rivalry. I think year ago, the reason why we put them on a Tuesday was that it wasn’t as competitive as it used to be. And now, Jeff’s brought them right back and we ought to be thinking about getting that game back on a Saturday."

Abbott on matching up with Cornell senior midfielder Max Seibald, a Tewaaraton Trophy finalist himself: "Should be interesting tomorrow. I won’t be matched up defensively against him. We’ll most likely have the long pole on him, but he’s a great player, and we’re definitely going to have to stop him to be able to be successful tomorrow."