Here we go again! D1 Women’s Lacrosse is back and here are some of the most important games to look out for this weekend.
This and every week of the season, I’ll be looking at the top games of the upcoming weekend. What makes them the top games is a combination of prestige, history, location, and impact on the polls.
The weekend preview will provide important matchups to look out for every weekend and provide any web streaming links if available.
#3 Syracuse vs #14 Stanford
Stream: ACC Network
Syracuse, the 2021 National Finalists, is starting their season off against Stanford who has nation’s No.1 recruiting class of the year this weekend.
#1 Boston College vs #4 Northwestern
Stream: ACC Network
What a way to start off the D1 women’s lacrosse season with Boston College and Northwestern. With Tewaaraton Award finalist, Izzy Scane out this season with an ACL injury, it will be really interesting to see how the other large forces on the field stand out including preseason Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Lauren Gilbert. With 66 goals and 100 draw controls last season, Gibert will be a player to watch.
Boston College will be looking to start off the season strong, with 2021 Tewaaraton winner Charlotte North returning for her 5th year. North returning for her 5th year certainly shook up the D1 women’s lacrosse landscape after her historic 2021 performance.
North, Belle Smith (midfield), and Hollie Schleicher (defense) have been named to the Preseason ALL-ACC Team. Two major impact freshmen are joining the roster this year, No 1. Mallory Hasselback and No. 18. Mckenna Davis. There will be many players to watch across the field as BC makes a run for a second National Championship title.
#12 James Madison vs #2 North Carolina
Stream: FLOLIVE
Will this be the year? In the last 12 years, UNC has had nine NCAA final four appearances, five Atlantic Coast Conference championships in a row, and two national titles. The Tar Heels are looking to add a third national championship trophy to their collection this season.
Jamie Ortega, 2021 Tewaaraton Finalist, is returning for a 5th year and her 60% shot percentage makes her absolutely deadly on the field. UNC also has 8 returning starters, with many promising underclassmen ready to step into big shoes left by the class of 2021.
Don’t sleep on James Madison though. After their underdog national championship run in 2018, they been building up their program with Molly Dougherty and Rachel Matey leading the charge. James Madison is looking to be a force in D1 women’s lacrosse.
#23 Michigan vs #7 Notre Dame
Stream: ACC Network
It’s a big weekend for the University of Michigan. Michigan is launching their season this Friday night against their closest D1 neighbor, the University of Detroit Mercy. They get one day of rest up before heading to South Bend to face the University of Notre Dame on Sunday.
