What a weekend. Some tremendous games and incredible finishes to kick off tourney time across Division 2 and Division 3. The last weekend in April usually kicks off the win or go home period and this weekend didn’t disappoint.
Coaches Poll: USILA Week 13
D3 Weekend Recap
Sewanee (10) – Rhodes (9) – SAA Final
The conference final that not many expected to see. Most thought the SAA was on a collision course for a Centre and Birmingham Southern final, but Rhodes and Sewanee had different plans. Both with obtained huge semifinal wins which set the stage for a tremendous conference final. Both programs played challenging non-conference schedules which helped prepare them for this game, and the game itself didn’t disappoint. The Tigers withstood a fourth quarter run from Rhodes to help secure the automatic bid and give them the SAA title. A four goal lead evaporated for Sewanee, but their defense buckled down in the final four minutes to preserve the conference title.
Kenyon (11) – Ohio Wesleyan (10)
A precursor for what should be a tremendous rematch between the Lords and the Battling Bishops in the NCAC tournament. A huge win for Kenyon in what was a tight game throughout that had tremendous back and forth action and impressive defensive stops by Kenyon. A constant battle that had multiple ties and lead changes that saw OWU make a run and tie the game late in the fourth quarter, with Kenyon scoring the go ahead goal with just over five minutes left in the game. The first win for Kenyon over OWU in ten years will set up a huge rematch at Kenyon with a trip to the NCAC title game on the line.
D2 Weekend Recap
Lindenwood (13) – UIndy (10) – GLVC Championship
The Lindenwood men’s lacrosse team brought down the No. 1 seeded Indianapolis Greyhounds in a 13-10 victory in the GLVC Championship on Sunday afternoon. The win is the first GLVC championship for the Lions, and with their move to Division 1 on the horizon, gives them some hardware as they ride off into the sunset. Patrick Kaschalk was a stud for the Lions and the difference maker for them as he collected nine points (7G, 2A). This win puts Lindenwood in a position to be in the mix for the NCAA tournament, but with their being no automatic bids, it puts it completely on the committee to see if Lindenwood is worthy of a spot.
Lenoir-Rhyne (14) – Limestone (11) – SAC Championship
Early in the season, many had written the Bears off due to some early losses, but credit to Coach Paradine for rallying the troops and getting them in a position to win the SAC Tourney at home in front of a raucous Bear crowd. The Bears avenged an earlier loss to Limestone with today’s victory and move their winning streak to ten in a row. A six goal run the second quarter proved to be the difference as the Bears cruised to the SAC Title and assured themselves a place in the NCAA Tournament.
Belmont Abbey (12) – Mount Olive (6) – Conference Carolinas Championship
Belmont Abbey scored six unanswered goals in the third and fourth quarters to extend a one-goal lead and secure its second straight Conference Carolinas Men’s Lacrosse Tournament Championship, 12-6 over Mount Olive on Sunday. The win gave BA its fourth Carolinas title and put them in the mix for the NCAA’s, but may be hampered by some early season losses.
Tampa (18) – Florida Southern (8) – Sunshine State Conference Championship
One of the best games of the year in D2 was FSC’s win over Rollins in the semifinals, which may have taken a lot out of the Mocs in this one against Tampa. The Spartans jumped out to an early lead in the championship contest as they scored five of the opening six goals and led 8-3 after the opening 15 minutes of action. Both teams tallied two goals in a tight second quarter as the Spartans took a 10-5 lead into the break. After halftime the Spartans never looked back as they cruised to a decisive victory. Tampa finishes the season undefeated and all but assured them a No.1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
