The Ivy League has always been a fascinating battleground in NCAA Men’s Division 1 lacrosse. While the ACC takes the crown as the top dog, the debate rages on about who follows: the Big Ten or the Ivy League? Let’s take a stroll down last season’s memory lane and peek into what this year might hold for the Ivy powerhouses.
Cornell’s Return to Glory
Cornell finished strong with an 11-4 record in 2023, boasting big wins against teams like Ohio State, Yale, and Army but stumbled against Penn State and Harvard. Their journey ended with a heart-wrenching overtime loss to Michigan in the NCAA Tournament. Fast forward to 2024, and with CJ Kirst back, eyeing the Tewaaraton, Cornell is not just aiming to dominate the Ivy League but also make a splash on Memorial Day Weekend. Coach Connor Buczek has his sights set high, and rightly so.
Penn’s Resilient Return
Penn had its ups and downs with a 7-6 record last year, including victories against Georgetown and Saint Joseph’s. Their season ended in a nail-biter against Princeton in the Ivy League Tournament semifinals. This year, they’re back with a bang, led by All-American Brendan Lavelle and 2023 All-Ivy honorees Peter Blake and Emmet Carroll, making them a team to watch closely.
Princeton’s Uphill Battle
Princeton’s 8-7 record last year doesn’t tell the full story. They clinched the Ivy League Tournament but struggled against non-conference-ranked teams. Despite graduating 16 seniors, Princeton is poised for 2024 with a mix of returning starters, key reserves, and a top-ranked freshman class ready to step up.
Yale’s Quest for Consistency
Yale had its moments in 2023, finishing 9-6 with impressive wins but faltered against top Ivy League rivals and in the NCAA tournament against Georgetown. With four Bulldogs named to the preseason All-America team, Yale’s looking to tighten their defense and be a force to reckon with in 2024.
Brown’s Offensive Struggles
Despite a disappointing 6-8 record and struggles within the Ivy League last year, Brown’s offense, led by Second Team All-Ivy selections Aidan McLane and Matteo Corsi, looks promising. With McLane on the Tewaaraton Watch List, Brown aims to turn the tide this season under Coach Mike Daly.
Harvard’s Building Phase
Harvard had a tough 5-7 season, with a couple of conference wins but struggled against stronger out-of-conference teams. In 2024, they’re banking on returning talent like Sam King and an impressive sophomore, Teddy Malone, to lead their attack and climb the Ivy League ranks.
Dartmouth’s New Direction
Dartmouth, ending 2023 with a balanced 6-6 record, showed potential but lacked consistency in Ivy League play. With Sean Kirwan stepping in as head coach, bringing his high-scoring playbook from Virginia, Dartmouth might just become the dark horse of the Ivy League this year.
Conclusion
The Ivy League’s depth and talent make it a thrilling watch season after season. With teams like Cornell and Princeton leading the charge and others not far behind, the Ivy League makes a compelling case as the second-best conference in Division 1 lacrosse. Each team brings a unique blend of tradition, talent, and ambition to the field, setting the stage for what promises to be another exhilarating season. So, is the Ivy League the second-best conference in Division 1 lacrosse? The data and the drama from last season certainly tilt the scales in their favor, and if the early signs are anything to go by, this season will only strengthen that claim.
