Headlining the Philly crop are Corrado's Wildcats, ranked No. 10 in the country by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Division I Preseason Coaches Poll. Penn and Drexel also are garnering national attention, ranked Nos. 15 and 20, respectively.
Villanova's program has been gaining steam for years, moving into the newly formed Big East lacrosse conference in 2010 and earning NCAA Tournament berths in 2009 and '11. After losing in the first round both years, the Wildcats are looking to show they are on the same level as the elite programs.
"First and foremost, winning the Big East Tournament here is a major goal," co-captain Matt Bell, a senior midfielder, said of the May 3-5 event scheduled for Goodreau Field. "It's not a guarantee to make it, but a lot of people expect it.
"We sent an email to the team during winter break," he added. "We said right from the get-go that we want to make a run to the championship of the NCAA Tournament. But before that we want to do as well as we can in conference."
The preseason accolades are pouring in for the Wildcats. Attackmen Kevin Cunningham was the preseason choice for Big East Offensive Player of the Year. Cunningham, Bell and senior defender Chris Creighton are preseason first-team All-Big East selections.
Cunningham totaled 24 goals and 21 assists in 2011, but was limited toward the end with hamstring issues. Listed at 5-11, he relies on his legs for speed and quickness, so his return to health has everyone expecting big things.
"It's cool, but it doesn't mean anything to us," Cunningham said of the attention. "It's preseason. I am just focusing on trying to do my best and having a great season. We will worry about that stuff in the end."
Corrado says staying healthy will be crucial in navigating a schedule that includes six 2011 NCAA Tournament teams as well as a tough Big East schedule.
