That's right. 34 straight years of fighting valiently (as Navy does so well) and losing heartbreakers to the Blue Jays ended with this shot, in Annapolis, in front of more than 10,000 fans on Saturday.
Like Navy vs. Notre Day in football, this annual matchup is a legendary, longstanding rivalry. One where Navy traditionally plays the role of scrappy underdog who always loses. So the Class of 2010, which will be commissioned in a few weeks, are able to say they say Navy beat Notre Dame twice (!!) in football and finally end the curse against Johns Hopkins.
It couldn't have come at a better time. Folks in Annapolis were still steaming about that call in the Day of Rivals last week in Baltimore when the game tying goal against Army in the final minutes was "waved off" by the official. (I am not why they call it a "wave", except it managed to sink Navy.)
The loss was a bitter blow to the Navy program. Bad enough to lose to Army (in front a gleeful cadre of cadets who journeyed to M&T) but doing so meant the Mids would finish the year under .500.
So as we come into tourney time that will find its way back to Baltimore on Memorial Day, the Mids are heading off to West Point (them again) to compete for the Patriot League title and Johns Hopkins is strumming on their sticks hoping to get invited to the dance.
We're keeping our fingers crossed for them. What would a lacrosse tournament be without the Blue Jays?
We're also cheering for all those Division I Maryland teams who give our state such prominence in the sport. We hope to see several of you here at M&T on Memorial Day. And (special request from Terry) bring all your fans with you.
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