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The most anticipated game of this weekend's NCAA Division I Men's quarterfinals will go down Saturday at Hofstra, when Denver meets second-seeded Albany. The reason? It all comes down to the faceoff x.

There, we will see a faceoff matchup for the ages, with Denver's Trevor Baptiste going up against Albany's TD Ierlan. It could go down as one of the most historic individual matchups in college lacrosse history.

Ierlan leads the nation with an 83.4 faceoff win percentage, and Baptiste sits behind him at 76.5. Baptiste, however, was named as a Tewaaraton Award finalist. The matchup could come down to small details in each player's game, so who better to break it down than the king himself?

U.S. national team star Greg Gurenlian goes step-by-step through the Baptiste-Ierlan battle.

Stance (kneeling, one knee down, standing, etc.)

Knee Down Moto Grip.  But both are capable of utilizing the standing neutral grip.

Signature Move (plunger/pinch & pop, rake, jam, etc.)

Both use the plunger as a primary move and then go into the screw drill on a lock up.

Exit Strategy (offensive, defensive, etc.)

They utilize multiple exits through the “prohop” Neither athlete slides the ball out on a knee, they are elite with their post-whistle footwork.

Spy vs. Spy (how Baptiste can neutralize Ierlan, vice versa)

Trevor’s main move is a heavy plunger to dominate the column.  That’s his advantage in this battle if TD steps back on the whistle.  If TD keeps his left foot planted and rotates hard around the ball he can set the pace.

How will wing play factor into the outcome of this matchup?

If TD used his wings to pop the ball out it would turn Denver’s entire strategy on its ear because he has never done that before.  Denver needs to stay off of Trevor and give him space.  Trevor utilizes his wings in exits very well if they can create a 2-on-1 by staying deep rather than crowding him.

Who's more likely to turn a faceoff into fast-break offense?

Both are great at getting to their feet and starting a break right on the whistle.  Both have the speed to separate and both can drill a shot on the run.

What edge does Baptiste have on Ierlan and vice versa?

TD has the advantage of knowing that he just needs to go out and do his thing.  His offense can score goals no problem and he has two more years ahead of him for collegiate faceoff battles.  Trevor, on the other hand, has to be dominant in order for Denver to come out on top.  

Trevor has experience and a very strong and dominant right-hand hammer blow on the whistle.  If TD false steps, it will give Trevor an advantage.

Prediction?

Trevor has been here three other times.  He’s bigger, older and more experienced.  His edge has nothing to do with skill set.  I think in the heat of battle it will come down to demeanor and who’s been here before.  Slight edge to Trevor but lacrosse is the biggest winner in this matchup.  This is going to be awesome.