Welcome to the Gameday Guide.

Every weekend during the college lacrosse season, US Lacrosse Magazine staff will riff here on the juiciest matchups, trendiest topics, biggest storylines and hottest takes.

A highly anticipated opening weekend is in the books, and it’s safe to say we all learned quite a bit from the results. But there are still questions left to be answered. Is UMass for real? Is Northwestern going to shatter scoring records? Will perennial powerhouses experience growing pains with an influx of freshmen?

Check out the weekend preview to learn more.

TEN TO WATCH
All times Eastern

[TV/Live Stream Listings]

[Nike/USL Division I Women’s Top 20]

GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 7 Michigan at No. 10 USC

Two defensive-minded teams square off, both of which rank in the top 10 of the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Top 20. The similarities early in the season are striking. Both teams narrowly defeated teams just outside the top 20 last weekend. (Michigan beat Jacksonville, 10-8, and USC downed Hofstra, 9-8.)

Michigan burst into the national limelight last season thanks to a defense that allowed 9.1 goals per game. The Women of Troy were even stingier, allowing 8.15 goals per game.

Both teams want to be more offensive in 2020, and each has the players to do so. Caitlin Muir, Molly Garrett and Maggie Kane can be lethal for the Wolverines, while Emily Concialdi, Erin Bakes, Hope Anhut and Kelsey Huff can light it up for USC.

UPSET WATCH
Duke at No. 17 Navy (Sunday)

It’s not the type of upset that would completely blow anyone’s mind, but from a rankings perspective, Duke topping Navy would certainly have a ripple effect.

Duke has looked just fine offensively — even with the transfer of Charlotte North and the graduation of Olivia Jenner — scoring 62 goals during its 2-1 start. Had it not been for Northwestern’s potent offense, the Blue Devils would be 3-0.

Losing in overtime to Virginia is by no means a bad loss, but Navy had opportunities to close that game out. The Navy defense looks somewhat vulnerable right now, and maybe that changes as the season progresses. But right now, Duke can earn a resume-boosting win in this one.

BEST GAME NO ONE’S TALKING ABOUT
Johns Hopkins at No. 15 Loyola

In a series that dates back to 1975, these rivals situated less than two miles from each other will most certainly play with a little extra energy. Despite Loyola’s recent success, Hopkins has won five of the last eight matchups since the series resumed in 2012, including each of the last three games.

The Blue Jays began their season with a 13-11 come-from-behind victory over Drexel. This will be Loyola’s opener. So, it’s too early to truly analyze each team’s identity. But given the history, this one should be fun.

MILESTONE WATCH
Akron’s opening weekend

The Akron Zips officially begin their program Friday night at 7 p.m. against Presbyterian before playing again Sunday against Gardner-Webb. Head coach Christy Mitchell recently broke down what to expect.

FRESHMAN FRENZY
No. 3 Maryland and No. 16 Florida have plenty of youth on the field.

In Maryland’s first game, the Terps started three freshman. In Florida’s first game, the Gators started five freshman (including redshirts). Two perennial contenders leaning on youth isn’t surprising, but the sheer volume of first-time players in starting roles is certainly eye-opening.

When these teams play Saturday at noon, a focal point will be how the freshman perform. Untested players could very well dictate the outcome of this top 20 matchup.

UNDER-THE-RADAR STARS

Kaitlyn Cerasi, UMass: She was tabbed the Atlantic 10 player of the week after notching four goals and two assists in the Minutewomen’s upset of Boston College. Her fourth goal with 6:42 remaining gave UMass a four-goal cushion.

Karson Harris, Drexel: She set a program record with 90 draw controls in 2019, sixth all-time for a CAA player, but hasn’t garnered much national attention. She had four goals and one assist in a loss to Johns Hopkins while also recording three ground balls and three draw controls.

Sondra Dickey, Lehigh: The Lehigh offense is clicking, as is Dickey. She has 11 goals and one assist in two Lehigh wins, highlighted by seven goals in a 17-11 win over UMBC. She’s also up to four ground balls and eight draw controls.

Taylor Suplee, Penn State: The Big Ten defensive player of the week made 12 saves in Penn State’s 12-9 win over Towson. She has 10 double-digit save games in 18 career starts. For Penn State to rise back to prominence, she’ll need to continue.

GROUND BALL
20

Can Duke score 20 goals again? The Blue Devils have done so in each of their first three games.

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