The First Whisper of Spring At Hopkins, the first day of lacrosse practice may be a much better indicator than Groundhog Day that spring is not far away. On a chilly, sunny Feb. 2, players trotted onto the AstroTurf of Homewood Field ready to begin the long march to the NCAA finals in May. Head coach Tony Seaman is confident that the Blue Jays have what it takes to build on last year's 9-5 season. "We have as much talent as any other team in the country," Seaman said, "and our only focus is on winning the national championship." Last year the Blue Jays played their way into the NCAA quarterfinals, losing to Princeton, the eventual tournament winners, in a dramatic 12-11 overtime match. Among the returning veterans are All-Americans Peter Jacobs and Milford Marchant at midfield, Brian Piccola and Terry Reardon on attack, as well as Jonathan Marcus, who has started every game in the goal since his arrival at Hopkins two years ago. The season opens with a rematch against the defending champion, the Princeton Tigers, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, at Homewood Field.