ESPN

Quint Kessenich

  (2:57 PM)

I'm in Baltimore watching Navy practice and am ready to take your questions.

Dubbs NYC

Does 'Cuse have a good shot against Hopkins? What aspects of their game do they need to improve upon in order to play a whole lot better than they did against Hopkins earlier in the season?

Quint Kessenich

  (2:59 PM)

Syracuse has a good chance. The faceoffs will be critical. When Hopkins beat Syracuse in March, they won 20 of 24. Syracuse has gone to a freshman, Dan Brennan from Farmingdale, NY. He's had good success over the last few weeks. Syracuse has also improved its close defense. Diepietro, Ditzell and Wright have come together and gained experience.

Jack, Philadelphia, PA

Im a student at Johns Hopkins who only started getting into lacrosse after I came to college. It seems to me that the faceoff after every goal has too much importance (the faceoff winner seems to be determined more on luck than skill) and that it would be more fair to let the opposing team start with possession after every goal scored against them, much like in soccer. what do you think of a rule change?

Quint Kessenich

  (3:00 PM)

There was a rule change in 1979 and after one season coaches determined that faceoffs were part of the game and should remain part of the game.

Jack (Philly)

Would lacrosse become more popular if it was an Olympic sport? Do you think there's any chance it could show up in a future summer games?

Quint Kessenich

  (3:02 PM)

The reason lacrosse is not played in the Olympics is not enough nations play the sport. Around 20 play, but 35 are needed. The US always wins the World Games and those games have never done anything in the States to grow the game, but it has had success elsewhere.

Tony (Washington, D.C.)

I'm new to the sport ... any tips on what to look for while watching the games on TV this weekend?

Quint Kessenich

  (3:04 PM)

Good question. Lacrosse is played 10-on-10. It combines many of the skills found in ice hockey, basketball and soccer. The offensive patterns are almost identical to basketball. The transition patterns are the same as hockey. It is a free-flowing running game. There is no shot clock so watch the passing and shooting skills of the players. The velocity and location of the shooting is amazing.

Dave (Arlington Heights, IL)

Taking a look at the four semifinalists, it seems as though lacrosse is a regional sport. Is that a fair statement, and if so, what can or is being done to create a broader appeal?

Quint Kessenich

  (3:07 PM)

These rosters are becoming more national every year. One of Navy's best players, Ben Bailey is from Memphis. Princeton's goalie is from Colorado. These rosters are littered with players from California, Illinois, Florida and Texas as well as from the Northeast. The sport is doubling every two years at the high school level. By the time you finish reading this sentence, a youngster will pick up his first lacrosse stick.

Elliott (Baltimore)

Cut to the chase and give us predictions on the two semis and Monday's championship game. Thanks.

Quint Kessenich

  (3:09 PM)

Semi 1 - Princeton wants a low-scoring game. Unless Navy can create a chaotic pace, the Tigers will win. Semi 2 - Ball control will decide it. Syracuse will try to play keep away, but eventually Hopkins' offensive will have too many weapons. Hopkins will win a close one.Final -- Hopkins over Princeton in a close one.

Chris (Buffalo)

I love watching indoor lacrosse but am less interested in the outdoor game. What's your take on indoor vs. outdoor?

Quint Kessenich

  (3:10 PM)

Each game offers a different appeal. The indoor game is more violent and higher scoring. The outdoor game has more compelling story lines in terms of tradition.

steve annapolis,md

given navy's past history in lacrosse,how good for the game has it been seeing the once proud program revived? and do you think a rematch with hopkins would be as good as the game a few weeks ago. if it happens

Quint Kessenich

  (3:13 PM)

I'm a huge fan of Navy lacrosse. My brother played for Navy. They six national titles in the '60s. It's refreshing to see their success in the modern era. Navy has been an inch away over the past five years. This year they won the close ones and gained confidence. The Hopkins game in April was the best of the season - 18,000 fans. Navy deserved to win. It's a matchup that the folks in Maryland would love to see.

Brian Wasko

Hey, Quint! Mike Powell is simply the most exciting and talented lacrosse player I've ever watched. Hopkins held him POINTLESS earlier this year in their March 20 rout. Did they play him straight up or doubleteam, and will they use the same defense this time? Syracuse HAS to get it into his stick to win, non?thanx.

Quint Kessenich

  (3:15 PM)

Excellent point. Mike will be the No. 1 selection for major league lacrosse. Hopkins will cover him with Tom Garvey, will be quick to double team, they understand his tendencies from film. But Mike has proven to be too explosive for everyone.

Quint Kessenich

  (3:17 PM)

As of today, 41,000 tickets have been sold. These games will be the most heavily attended games in history, The excitement in Baltimore is unbelievable. The four teams in the semifinals are historically great. It's the type of weekend that will put lacrosse on the map. When people tune in to ESPN to watch the games, they will find it compelling.