It’s not often that a 2-4 team is considered a favorite, much less ranked among the nation’s top 20 programs.

Despite a less than sparkling Ancient Eight record last season, the No. 19 Bulldogs enter their season opener against Holy Cross as heavy favorites. The Crusaders, by comparison, received no respect from the media, as they finished second-to-last in the Patriot League Preseason Poll.

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If history is any indication, the rankings should hold up after Saturday’s game. Since 1965, Yale has won all seven meetings against Holy Cross, including a 13-7 victory in last year’s season opener. In that game, Chris Kempner ’09 and Tyler Casertano ’08 combined for seven goals and five assists as the Bulldogs rolled over the Crusaders. Casertano, one of two senior attackers on the team, finished second in the Ivies in assists and will spearhead the Eli attack along with Brendan Gibson ’10, who ranked 13th nationally in goals per game.