It was a big week in DII and DIII as we’ve seen some conference regular season titles decided and some teams playing their first games of the season (thanks NESCAC). In some conferences, things are open and shut, while in others it depends on the day.
One thing is clear: it is very hard to beat the same team twice! Buckle up because things are only going to get crazier as the season comes down to the wire. Let’s hope everyone stays healthy, because as things are moving along, we’re seeing games getting cancelled and postponed, which will have a huge effect on how teams finish.
DII – Wingate Wins a Nail Biter
Limestone 11 – Queens 5
Hate to say I told you so, but I sure did. Limestone is going to be a tough team to play as the SAC continues to cannibalize itself. Most people had Queens picked to win this game outright, but the Saints weren’t buying that. Led by a solid defensive effort and an offense that showed great composure, the Saints easily dispatched of Queens. Keep an eye on Limestone as the SAC gets closer to tournament time.
Wingate 16 – Lenoir Rhyne 15
What a game this was! Another instant classic between the Bulldogs and Bears. These midweek matchups are reminiscent of the old ECC and NYCAC days when you would see top-10 matchups almost every Wednesday. Wingate was in control for most of the game and put itself in a position to run away with it, but the Bears wouldn’t go away as the Bulldogs almost let a 16-10 lead evaporate in the fourth quarter.
These two teams are on a collision course to see each other again in the SAC Tournament and possibly in the NCAA DII Tournament. Coach Boyle and Coach Paradine have these programs on another level, and there may be an epic game-of-the-year-type rematch on the horizon.
Tampa 7 – Lynn 6
The Spartans may be mortal after all. The Tampa hype train is still chugging along, but Coach Kingsbury and Lynn almost stole this one from Tampa. That’s two close games for the Spartans in one week as Rollins played them very tight earlier in the week. This was a very even game across the board, but Lynn going 3-of-7 on man up gave it juice at opportune moments. Look for Tampa to have revenge on their mind when Lynn pays the Spartans a visit April 24.
DIII – Welcome Back to the NESCAC!
Tufts 29 – Colby 11
In 2020, the Jumbos were on a collision course with Championship Weekend. Like many other years, they felt they had a special program when their season was cut short.
More than anything, this game was an opportunity to see if the Jumbos were for real and if there was any rust after not playing in over a year. They answered those questions pretty emphatically and easily dispatched of Colby. Keep an eye out on the Jumbos and the NESCAC as they look to cram a schedule into just under a month.
Centre 8 – Rhodes 5
Centre has always been a solid program in the CAA, but it has had some time between its early years when it was the class of the conference. Coach Zimmerman has put together a great squad this year as the Colonels wrapped up the SAA regular season title. The conference championship runs through Danville, Kentucky, and it should be a great tournament. Their defense was able to lock up the Lynx and cruise to a huge regular season win. Don’t count Rhodes out, though. Coach Zazzaro has been around, and he will have a few tricks up his sleeve come tournament time. With the season winding down, let’s hope everyone can stay healthy. We’re seeing more and more postponements across DII and DIII.
