Everyone is always so concerned with the ACC, BIG, and Ivy League conferences, but what about the rest of the lacrosse landscape? We look at four games that have big conference ramifications from the NEC, SOCON, ASUN, and Patriot League.
LIU vs Bryant
As both teams chase Saint Joseph’s for the top spot in the NEC, this game is crucial for league standings as the NEC opens play on Saturday. Bryant was highly touted coming into the season but has stumbled against better competition (4-4 overall). The magic number is 11, as both teams have yet to lose a game when scoring at least 11 goals.
High Point vs Jacksonville
12:00pm ESPN+ ($)
The SOCON lacrosse conference is a three headed monster with Richmond, Jacksonville, and High Point. While the Spiders test themselves one more time before starting conference play (against Virginia), High Point will take on Jacksonville to kick off the SOCON season. The Panthers and Dolphins will both look to lock up that 1-0 conference record and put themselves in the leagues driver seat. We know the Panthers can score, but can their defense hold up to the prolific JU attack (Waldbaum, Greiner, and Intrieri have combined for 80 goals this season)?
Boston U vs Navy
12:00pm ESPN+ ($)
The Terriers are 4-1 in Patriot League play and look to extend their overall record to 8-1 against Navy (6-3). A win against Navy puts them solidly in the drivers seat until back to back matchups against Army/Lehigh to end April. Navy has a chance to upend the conference and keep their own shot at a Patriot League title alive with a win. It’s unlikely that a two loss team can win the league this year and the midshipmen have already dropped a game to Lehigh. Look for Conor Calderone to dominate the faceoff dot and provide plenty of opportunities for Vince D’Alto to continue his storybook season.
Utah vs Air Force
2:00pm Youtube
The only lacrosse teams in the ASUN conference with winning records face off Saturday as conference play opens up. With a game that includes two of the top three teams in the conference this early, the winner will have a major edge come conference tournament time. My money is one the Utes this year as Coach McMinn has provided a new energy and has the boys firing on all cylinders.
