Top 5 Shifts in Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men's Top 20

Proving once again that Division III men’s lacrosse is mostly unpredictable, Gettysburg knocked off Salisbury 12-10 for the biggest upset of the weekend.

Lynchburg continued its win streak with a hard-fought victory over Cabrini. Bates was the first NESCAC team to see action so far this season, but the Bobcats were sacrificed to the conquering Tigers of RIT, 22-10. Christopher Newport piled on Stevenson’s winless woes with a thunderous 19-10 win to vault the Captains ever closer to the top spot Nike/USA Lacrosse Top 20.

National championship runner-up Union returned to the field with a 14-9 win over Babson in its season debut, too. 

Just when you thought it was time to move down those winless NESCAC teams, they’re here — and ready to run roughshod across the Northeast and beyond. 

But for now, the seismic shift comes from Pennsylvania. The next upset is just around the corner. 

NIKE/USA LACROSSE
DIVISION III MEN’S TOP 20

Also considered (alphabetical order): Hamilton, Hampden-Sydney, Ithaca, MIT, Roanoke, RPI, Western New England

Nike/USA Lacrosse Rankings

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

HOT

Gettysburg (+2)

The Bullets shot down the Gulls thanks to a valiant fourth-quarter comeback. The senior-led Gettysburg team used a five-goal final period to pull out the win. Sophomore Jack Dunleavy’s offensive explosion was a key here, but George Raymond, Kieran Ward and Kyle Howard look like they could have special seasons. Gettysburg is now in the top five, and coming dates with Washington and Lee and Denison could help push the Bullets even higher. 

Dickinson (no change)

Dickinson got 14 goals from 10 players in its win over a talented Roanoke squad and was able to overcome a cold outing from Chris Brandau. The Dickinson schedule has several Top 20 opponents in the month of March, including Christopher Newport, giving the Red Devils an opportunity to climb the ranks if they can keep to their winning ways. 

Denison (+3)

It was a massive day for the specialists of Denison. Archer Darrach stopped 58 percent of the shots he saw, and the battery of Colin MacLean and Grant Larson went a combined 22 of 25 facing off. It added up to a win over a talented Hampden-Sydney team, with Ethan Tyack leading the way for Denison with six points. The next opponent is their toughest yet — W&L on March 5. 

NOT

Salisbury (-5)

It’s early, but it’s not too early to ding the Gulls for a loss to one of their most bitter rivals. Give credit to Gettysburg, whose defense played excellently and limited the many Salisbury weapons. But the Gulls lost this game with some self-inflicted wounds. They were 19 of 24 on the clear. In the fourth quarter, they committed four turnovers and two penalties, fueling the Gettysburg comeback and eventual victory. As loaded as Salisbury is, the Gulls still need to play clean games to secure wins. 

IN

Muhlenberg (No. 20)

OK, so the three-overtime game against RIT is one way to get yourself on the map. Even though Muhlenberg lost, that performance warranted a closer look at its next game, which turned out to be a win against a respected Colorado College side, 17-7. 

OUT

Stevenson (was No. 18)

Unfortunately for the Mustangs, it is time to exit the Division III poll (at least for now). A win against Catholic midweek won’t get them back in, but a win against any of their next four opponents after that might. Coach Paul Cantabene’s squad will line up against Gettysburg, Lynchburg, Dickinson and RIT in the next month. The latter two of those games will take place at the Mustang Classic in Owings Mills, Md.

PREVIOUS RANKINGS

• Preseason

• Week 1: Feb. 13, 2023

• Week 2: Feb. 20, 2023