The 2007-08 season did not go according to plan for Holy Cross, as injuries derailed any chance the team had of winning a second consecutive league championship.

The Crusaders were talented enough to get back to the NCAA tournament, and they played like it when they were healthy. Unfortunately for Holy Cross, the team was rarely at full strength.

Forward Alex Vander Baan suffered a back injury early in the season and was never the same. He was basically day-to-day for the entire season, unable to practice while playing in some games, but he missed the final three games (including the Crusaders' first-round league tournament loss).

Other players such as guard Pat Doherty and forward Adam Mamay also were forced to miss games and were generally restricted by injuries throughout the season.

In addition to the injury woes (and possibly because of the injury woes), Doherty never fulfilled the role of perimeter scoring the way the team hoped. His shooting was off all season, and his quickness was zapped by the assorted aches and pains.

The bright spot was center Tim Clifford, who could have been Player of the Year had the Crusaders finished with a better record. Clifford had a great senior season and carried Holy Cross in the second half, offensively and defensively.

He'll leave a huge hole in the middle next season, but a healthy Vander Baan should be able to help fill the void. Clifford is the only key loss for the Crusaders next year, so a bounce-back could be in order.

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