Lewis University came out and upset No.7 Seton Hill to kick off the D2 men’s season. There is no better feeling than opening the season up with a massive upset and boy did Week 1 have a couple of those.
This week we are more focused on Division II since there were only three Division III games this past weekend. On the other hand Division II was full of games as the teams down south got their seasons going and we saw some very interesting outcomes.
Coaches Poll: USILA
D3 Week 1 Recap
Birmingham Southern (23) – LaGrange (2)
Not much here other than a one sided victory, but time will tell. Is this the year BSC makes a run for the SAA crown? With Centre’s success in the NCAA last year, there will be more eyes on the conference than ever before and there is quite a bit of buzz surrounding this BSC team.
Some key returners and key transfers are going to be the backbone of the team, but we will see what happens once they start playing the better teams on the schedule. Either way it will be an interesting year in the SAA.
D2 Week 1 Recap
#9 UIndy (12) – #2 Lenoir-Rhyne (11)
Hardly an upset if you’re someone who knows Division II lacrosse. A huge win for the Greyhounds as they walk into Hickory and get a win against the No.2 team in the country.
LR has usually been on the other end of this playing the role of spoiler, but this game will probably get them refocused as the season presses on. UIndy survived a big 4th quarter run from the Bears to get out of North Carolina with a huge early season win.
Lewis (14) – #7 Seton Hill (13)
A huge upset to some, but for those who’ve followed the Lewis Flyers over the past couple of years knew this day was going to come sooner rather than later. A huge win for the young program and a great learning lesson for Seton Hill.
Lewis had a great game plan and they stuck to it. The difference for them was the little things. Seton Hill dominated at the faceoff X, but Lewis rode hard and got the ball and forced some key turnovers to put themselves in a position to win. A late Seton Hill run was too little too late as Lewis got out of Western Pennsylvania with a huge win.
Congrats to Coach Perruzzi and his squad!
#15 Limestone (20) – #11 Belmont Abbey (9)
What a first game for the Saints and new coach Brendan Storrier. At one point the Saints led by as many 15 goals in this clash between former Conference Carolinas rivals.
Yes, it is early in the season, but if this is any indication for what the future of the season holds, the SAC will be an absolute dogfight. Like John Wick, Limestone might be back. If they are, everyone in DII should be on notice.
#4 Tampa (15) – #17 Lynn (3)
A nice start to the JB Clarke era down in Tampa. Since they have to play twice this season, Lynn may have been working some of their kinks out. Regardless this is still an impressive start for the Spartans.
Will this be the year Tampa gets over the hump to championship weekend? Time will tell, but they are well on their way.
Embry Riddle (14) – Flagler (8)
On the surface this might not seem like a big deal, but in reality, it is. ERAU was playing its first game since the COVID shut down in 2020, and Flagler was playing its first Varsity game in program history. Friday night lights in Florida and the atmosphere looked electric. Just under 1,000 people saw two teams fight it out in early season lacrosse that saw Embry Riddle come away with the win.
Flagler will be a tough out for any team they see this season and Coach Duncan has a solid foundation for a young Flagler team. Lacrosse in the Sunshine State continue to get stronger!
Teams to Watch
Florida Southern
Two nice wins in North Carolina to open up the season have set them up for a big early season showdown with Tampa this coming week. The Mocs are deep and talented on offense and many think this could be the year that they break through and take the next step.
