This weekend will once again be heavily focused on the AAC and KCAC conference tournaments while we await a few WHAC regular season games to be played before any of their teams join the playoff action.
AAC Semifinals
#1 Reinhardt vs #4 Keiser
This is the game that we needed to see played again. Keiser won this regular season matchup 12-11 in double overtime in what was surely the best game of the season. Since this meeting, Keiser has been a bit up and down going 5-3, while Reinhardt has gone 6-0. Keiser is the only team to beat Reinhardt this season and the only team to beat them in the face-off matchup going 14 for 25.
The Eagles will need to flip the script in order to win this one. Keiser has an outstanding team which features AAC Newcomer of the Year candidate Vincent Cerasuolo (33G, 9A). Keep an eye on him and goalie Cole George as key players on the Keiser squad. Reinhardt will rely heavily on Dillan Bousquet who is averaging over 6 points a game this year. This should be another instant classic between two bitter rivals.
#2 Tennessee Wesleyan vs #3 Cumberlands
This is another fantastic rematch that featured an overtime game their first time around. TWU defeated UC 14-13 back on March 30th. I see this rematch playing very similarly with a lot of scoring and plenty of lead changes. I spoke to TWU Senior defenseman Dylan Weaver about the mindset heading into the semifinals and potentially championship.
“Going into the AAC tournament at Reinhardt is a tough but electric atmosphere with some of the best teams in the NAIA. Our mindset is to play our game and not the opponents. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work well. Leave it all out on the field. No regrets.”
– Dylan Weaver, TWU Defenseman
It sounds like the Dawgs and Patriots are both laser focused heading into this one.
KCAC Championship
#1 St. Ambrose vs # 2 Benedictine
I have a hot take for this game. Benedictine has the momentum and fresh legs heading into this game. Does this guarantee an upset victory? No it doesn’t, but those are just a few thoughts on why this will be a competitive game.
The storyline of this regular season KCAC lacrosse matchup was that Benedictine fell down 4-0 very quickly, and never fully recovered. If they can avoid that same fate, I think they have a chance this go round. St. Ambrose on the other hand, is undefeated in between the lines and ranked #1 nationally for a reason. The Fighting Bees lacrosse program has rolled through the KCAC this season and have yet to show any sign of weakness. They have arguably the top goalie in the nation with Nolan Hayes, and plenty of offensive weapons to break down any defense. A win in this one all but guarantees them the top seed at NAIA Nationals.
