The first full slate of D3 lacrosse games is on display this weekend. With much of the Midwest digging out from a major snowstorm and freezing temperatures it will be interesting to see how this first weekend looks. February lacrosse is always a little sloppy, but with teams starting games earlier and earlier you end up seeing many teams working things out on the fly. With a full slate this weekend here’s a few games that may be of some interest.
D3 Games to Watch This Weekend
Stevenson vs. Hampden Sydney – Saturday at Noon (scrimmage)
An interesting early season challenge for both programs. Both programs are extremely well coached, and Stevenson’s swagger has been well documented. An early season scrimmage that will set the tone for the season moving forward. Stevenson has always been known as a high tempo in your face team so it will be interesting to see how HSC handles this early in the season.
Christopher Newport vs. Roanoke – Saturday at 1pm
CNU is coming off of a breakthrough season that saw them in the Top 5 of D3 Lacrosse. With there being only one Pool B bid this season every game is a playoff game for them. Roanoke has a lengthy history of success and this early season matchup will definitely help them prepare for the gauntlet that is the ODAC.
Colorado College vs. Illinois Wesleyan – Saturday at 1:30pm (Central Time)
This is a game people will have lots of eyes on. Colorado College is coming off of a nice run in the NCAA tournament and so is IWU. CC has a new coach in Mike Horowitz so we will see how the Tigers respond to a new voice in the locker room. IWU is also coming off of an NCAA tournament run that saw their season end against Salisbury. IWU is known for its frantic pace and has never met a shot they didn’t like so the Tigers better be ready to run.
Washington and Lee vs. Catholic – Saturday at 2pm
A great early season test for both teams. Washington and Lee is poised for another great season where they can challenge for the ODAC championship and Catholic is coming off a very successful run of their own. It should be an interesting early season matchup.
D2 Games to Watch This Weekend
DII is already off and running and we’ve already seen our share of surprises. This week should be no different. There are some monumental early season matchups this week that will definitely shake up the polls come Monday. The southern teams are clearly getting their legs under them while the northern teams are barely starting to thaw out. Watch out over the next few weeks to see how everything shakes out!
Wingate vs. Mercyhurst – Saturday AT Noon
This early season matchup is always one of the best games you’ll see all year. This annual matchup has been a mainstay on the schedule since Coach Boyle ventured down south. Both coaches know each other well and it is always a battle. Will this be the year Wingate gets to the final weekend? Will this be the year the Lakers make another magical run? This is the game that helps both prepare for that. Two great programs with exceptional programs. This could be the best game of the weekend across any Division.
Florida Southern vs. Tampa – Saturday AT 1pm
An early season Sunshine State battle between two teams with lots of history in D3 lacrosse. What more could you ask for. JB Clarke got his career at Tampa off to a fast start with a big win over Lynn. FSC got out of the Carolinas with two wins and lots of confidence. Styles make fights, and this game is one you have to keep an eye on.
Queens vs. Lynn – Saturday – Saturday AT 3:30pm
Two programs with something to prove. Lynn has been knocking on the door of the SSC and is looking to get over the top. Queens is looking to get back to its past SAC glory. Two teams that need a quality win to help its NCAA resume at the end of the year.
Lenoir Rhyne vs. North Greenville – Saturday AT 1pm
Many people might see this game and put it down as a win for LR, but that shouldn’t be the case. NGU has steadily been improving over the last few years and have quietly positioned themselves near the top of Conference Carolinas. They have had major upsets before, and they’re a team that believes they can not only compete but beat LR.
