Duke Destroys Johns Hopkins in First Round

After three straight losses by a single goal to Johns Hopkins in the NCAA tournament, Duke finally got revenge on the Blue Jays, cruising to an 18-5 win in the first round and ending Hopkins’ streak of 19 straight NCAA quarterfinal appearances. The 12-seeded Blue Jays were no match for the No. 5 seed Blue Devils, who held a 40-13 shot advantage for the game and had all but assured victory by the time the fourth quarter started.

Duke controlled the game by winning 18-of-27 faceoffs and picking up 37 ground balls to John’s Hopkins’ 17. When the Blue Devils had possession, they were able to efficiently break down the Blue Jays’ 19th-ranked defense for the most goals it allowed this season.

Senior attackers Ned Crotty (two goals, six assists) and Max Quinzani (four goals, one assist) combined for 13 points, but it was the balance in Duke’s attack that really undid Johns Hopkins. Ten Blue Devils scored a goal, while seven players generated 13 assists.

Junior Mike Rock got his second straight start in goal for Duke. Despite letting in all three of the shots he faced in the first quarter, he eventually settled down, collecting two saves and allowing only one more goal over the next two quarters before heading to the sideline with the victory already secure. During the decisive third quarter, in which the Blue Devils outshot the outscored the Blue Jays 8-0 and outshot them 16-2, Rock wasn't even needed, as the Blue Devil defense prevented Johns Hopkins from getting a shot on goal.

The Blue Devils play again next Saturday, against the winner of Sunday's North Carolina-Delaware match. Check back with The Chronicle online later for a full recap of the game.