Opening weekend of the college lacrosse season is upon us. While we had a great appetizer last weekend between Mercer and Bellarmine, this weekend is the official start of spring lacrosse with 14 division one games slated.
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.
Top 3 Games to watch this weekend
High Point at No.2 Maryland
Stream: Big Ten Plus
I’ll keep it simple, what does #2 Maryland look like without Jared Bernhardt. Don’t get me wrong, the Terps’ have more than enough talent to win the game and return to the NCAA tournament, but early season games are tough for teams looking to replace one of the greatest players in the last decade.
When High Point takes the field all eyes will be on Asher Nolting. The fifth year senior is on pace to eclipse 300 career points this season, the question for me is how much will he incorporate his teammates? In games against ranked opponents we’ve seen him play a high risk high reward style that puts up a lot of points (263) and a considerable amount of turnovers (257).
Detroit-Mercy at Ohio State
Stream: Big Ten Plus
Completely biased pick having worked at Detroit, but lets not forget that this has been a trap game in past seasons. In 2015 the Titans traveled down to Columbus to upset the Buckeyes 9-8. Not to mention expectations for the Nick Myers squad aren’t as high this year, having been picked 5th of 6 teams in the preseason conference rankings. Expect a gritty game between these two midwest programs.
No.12 Denver at Utah
Stream: N/A
A stout Denver program looks to start the season off with a bang while Utah and Coach McMinn are eager to get his new program on the right track. While Denver is a 5.5 goal favorite, this is the perfect time for an energized Utah program to shock the world.
Enjoyed the weekend preview? Come back next Friday to figure out what games to look out for!
