After impressively disposing of ACC-rival Maryland in an emotional road game Friday, the Blue Devils are gearing up again for a contest against winless St. Joseph's (0-3) today at 3 p.m. in Koskinen Stadium.
With head coach John Danowski at the helm, the No. 1 Blue Devils (3-0)-who ascended to the top spot in the polls Monday-have had no problem getting pumped up for games this year, no matter who the competition is.
"For us, it's easy because we didn't get to play last year," captain Matt Danowski said. "Every game means a lot to us. So we go play with the mentality that we're out to prove ourselves."
Although playing against No. 6 Navy, No. 10 Delaware and No. 17 Drexel may make St. Joe's appear better than its 0-3 record indicates, the Hawks have been outscored a combined 44-12 over those three contests.
"Coach always tells us not to overlook anybody," goalie Dan Loftus said. "If you look at the scores from this year, with some of the perennial powerhouses losing early on, it's actually tough to look past anyone."
As Duke heads into its first game in school history as the top-ranked team in the nation, the players said they will keep improving as long as they continue to follow John Danowski's lead.
"We're learning a new system," Loftus said. "We're trying to buy in to what Coach is saying. Coach is telling us that individually we're all playing fine, but if we came together and played more cohesively, that we'd do much better."
Loftus said the team mentality was largely responsible for the Blue Devils' improved performance against then-No. 6 Maryland.
The Terrapins limited previous co-ACC Player of the Week Zack Greer-who came in averaging four goals per game-to just one score. But the offense showcased its versatility as Matt Danowski took the reigns and notched six goals of his own, earning him this week's ACC Player of the Week honor.
"We play really unselfishly," Matt Danowski said. "It's just the way our team is. We have a lot of players out there, and whoever steps out on the field is expected to make plays."
Among all of John Danowski's philosophies, one of the most important is his relaxed style of coaching. His demeanor lends itself to a loose team atmosphere in which the players are able to escape the lingering drama that ended last year's season.
Following a year of accusations and scrutiny, the Blue Devils said they are grateful for a coach who makes lacrosse fun again.
"[The players] were so wound up because they hadn't played in so long," Matt Danowski said. "Now we just have fun with it, but at the same time respect and appreciate that we get to be out here and represent Duke University. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed, but we know how lucky we are to be out here."
The Blue Devils said they will grow stronger as the players and coaches continue to come together. As Duke attempts to live up to its top-ranked billing for the remainder of the year, the players said they look no further than their coach for guidance.
"[John Danowski] tells us, 'Guys, if you want to be what I know you can to be, just buy in to what I'm telling you,'" Loftus said. "He's not going to lead us in the wrong direction. I don't think guys are just playing for the team, they're playing for him."
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