Frostburg State New to Nike/USA Lacrosse Division II Men's Top 20

There weren’t a ton of upsets in the Division II ranks this week, but there a number of teams solidified their positions with some meaningful victories. 

Limestone bounced back after its loss to Rollins last week with a convincing 20-15 win over Florida Southern. Caden Gulka and Zach Terry had four goals each, while Carter Brand, Mike McGarry and Austin Lamoureux each had hat tricks. Fourteen of the 20 goals were assisted, as the Limestone offense was humming. 

Belmont Abbey got back to its winning ways after surviving a ferocious comeback attempt from Colorado Mesa. With Dylan Checketts taking draws, Mesa is never really out of it, but Belmont Abbey was able to go nearly 50/50, which helped the Crusaders secure the win. This game had a total of 12 penalties called. With Belmont Abbey going 0-for-7 on the extra man, it’ll be an area of focus going forward. 

Mercyhurst found its way past Wilmington in convincing fashion, dominating most aspects of the game, including the faceoff X. With the win, Mercyhurst remains one of Division II’s unbeatens. It’s been spectacular individual efforts so far, as nobody on the team has more than one assist through two games, but with players like Ethan Landymore and Myles Hamm, it’s understandable to let them cook. 

The NE-10 is beginning to wake from its restful slumber after Le Moyne has led the way into the eternal battle against Mother Nature up north. Le Moyne took on Catawba at Homewood Field and got out to a 6-0 first-quarter lead. The Dolphins never really took their foot off the gas, pushing to a 9-1 lead at halftime and posting another shutout quarter in the third. 

NIKE/USA LACROSSE
DIVISION II MEN’S TOP 20

* = in Rocky River, Ohio
^ = in Charlotte, N.C.
*^ = in Boyds, Md.

Also considered (alphabetical order): Chestnut Hill, Florida Southern, Lewis, Mount Olive, Rockhurst, Wilmington

Nike/USA Lacrosse Rankings

Division I Men | Division I Women
Division II Men | Division II Women
Division III Men | Division III Women

HOT

Rollins (+2)

The Tars can’t stop beating ranked opponents. Last week, they took down Limestone. This week, they bested one of the upstart teams of the season in Newberry. The top team in Florida right now is Tampa — the defending Division II champs are perpetually the team to beat. But maybe Rollins is the second-best team in the entire southern region.

Mercyhurst (no change)

The Hurst men’s lacrosse train keeps rolling on the tracks, smashing through everything in its path. OK, maybe that’s a bit hyperbolic for a team that is just 2-0 so far, but the Lakers are looking impressive in the ways that they win. They have really been complete, team-based efforts that opposing teams have trouble dealing with. You’d be hard-pressed to find a real weakness in this Division II Upstate New York power.

NOT

Newberry (no change)

Unfortunately, the Wolves suffered their first loss of the campaign. Fortunately, that loss was to a team that’s on the rise in both the ranks and the national spotlight. That will come as little comfort though, as Newberry will dive headlong into SAC play for the remainder of the season. That perilous journey will start with a home game against Lincoln Memorial next Saturday.

IN

Frostburg State (No. 19)

With two one-goal wins over Lake Erie and Saint Rose to start the campaign, this may be a short stay for the Bobcats. They take on top-ranked Tampa next Saturday. It’s their only ranked opponent on the schedule up until the end of March when they play Seton Hill. Still, this is a team to watch in the ECC. 

OUT

Florida Southern (was No. 20)

Florida is a ruthless state in many ways, but the Mocs haven’t won either of their games against higher-end opposition yet this season. Though they haven’t had much trouble scoring. They have scored at least 14 goals in each of their four games so far. Their defense just hasn’t been able to stack their stops against better teams. 

PREVIOUS RANKINGS

• Preseason

• Week 1: Feb. 13, 2023

• Week 2: Feb. 20, 2023