TV » ESPN2

After an 8-3 loss to Princeton in March, young Johns Hopkins (12-2), which starts six sophomores and two freshmen, has come of age. Johns Hopkins is in the tournament for a record 40th straight time, has a 42-4 postseason record at home and seeks its 10th title and first since 2007. The Blue Jays have been keyed by senior Matt Dolente, who leads the nation in faceoff percentage (.673). For Hofstra (13-2), two losses to Delaware are all that stand between the Pride and perfection. Hofstra leads the nation in scoring defense (6.2 gpg) behind D Mike Skudin. The winner plays Villanova or No. 6 Denver.

Delaware at No. 5 Duke

When » Saturday, 5 p.m.

Where » Koskinen Stadium, Durham, N.C.

TV » ESPNU

Recently, no team has been as sure a lock in the first two rounds of the tournament as reigning NCAA champion Duke (12-5), which has been to the Final Four five of the last six years. After the graduation of prolific scorers Ned Crotty and Max Quinzani, Duke has been sparked by Zach Howell (38 goals, 15 assists) and Jordan Wolf (27 goals, 18 assists). Coming off an upset of UMass in the CAA tournament, Delaware (11-6) is in the tournament for the second straight year. In 2007, coach Bob Shillinglaw took the unseeded Blue Hens to the Final Four. The winner plays Penn or No. 4 Notre Dame.

Bucknell at No. 7 Virginia

When » Sunday, 3 p.m.

Where » Klockner Stadium, Charlottesville, Va.

TV » ESPNU

Seeking its fifth NCAA championship, Virginia (9-5) continues to try to recover from the loss of All-American M Shamel Bratton, who was booted from the team for violating team rules, and brother Rhamel Bratton, who remains suspended. Virginia is led by shooter Chris Bocklet (33 goals) and playmaker Steele Stanwick (23 goals, 26 assists). Bucknell (14-2) is making its first NCAA appearance since 2001. The winner will play Hartford or No. 2 Cornell.

Penn at No. 4 Notre Dame

When » Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Where » Arlotta Stadium, South Bend, Ind.

TV » ESPN

Last year’s national runner-up, Notre Dame (10-2), was cruising undefeated and ranked No. 1 when it lost back-to-back matches at Syracuse and at North Carolina the last two weekends. Penn (8-6) has the fewest wins of any team in the tournament and was selected despite an 11-2 loss to Virginia two weeks ago. The winner will play Delaware or No. 5 Duke.

Hartford at No. 2 Cornell

When » Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Where » Schoellkopf Field, Ithaca, N.Y.

TV » ESPNU

Cornell (13-2) captured three of the first seven NCAA championships but has not won another since 1977, finishing as runner-up four times. This year the Big Red won 10 straight games behind national scoring leader Rob Pannell (5.5 points per game). This is the first NCAA trip for America East champion Hartford (11-6). The winner plays Bucknell or No. 7 Virginia.

Villanova at No. 6 Denver

When » Sunday, 5:15 p.m.

Where » Barton Lacrosse Stadium, Denver

TV » ESPNU

Some are calling this game a watershed event in the sport. It is the first NCAA tournament game west of the Mississippi. But perhaps it was only a matter of time before former Princeton coach Bill Tierney got ECAC champion Denver (13-2) a home game. Villanova (11-4) is in the tournament for the second time. The winner will play No. 3 Johns Hopkins or Hofstra.

Siena at No. 1 Syracuse

When » Sunday, 7:30 p.m.

Where » Carrier Dome, Syracuse

TV » ESPNU

Metro Atlantic champion Siena (13-4) makes its second appearance in the NCAA tournament, hoping to duplicate the feat of Army last year, when the unseeded Black Knights shocked the defending national champions in overtime in the Carrier Dome. Syracuse (14-1) seeks an unprecedented 11th national championship. The winner will play Maryland or No. 8 North Carolina.

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