The Division II men’s lacrosse season kicked off officially two weekends ago with a slate of games that included a Belmont Abbey upset victory over Tampa. It was a notable result right out of the gates, but one that may have foreshadowed the type of season ahead in Division II.
Jump to this past weekend, and the trend continued. Limestone, the powerhouse that took a step backward last season, provided the biggest result of the young season, dominating then-No. 3 Lenoir-Rhyne 19-9 at their own place.
Are the Saints back? A stretch that includes Saint Leo and Mercyhurst could help prove that. Also, just like in Division I, the top teams (Merrimack and Le Moyne) benefitted from being inactive.
Nike/US Lacrosse Rankings
Division I Men | Division I Women
Division II Men | Division II Women
Division III Men | Division III Women
Feb. 11, 2019 |
W/L |
Prev |
Next |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merrimack | 0-0 | 1 | 2/23 vs. No. 7 NYIT |
| 2 | Le Moyne | 0-0 | 2 | 2/17 at No. 15 Mercy |
| 3 | Adelphi | 0-0 | 4 | 2/16 vs. Assumption |
| 4 | Seton Hill | 2-0 | 6 | 2/16 vs. No. 19 Indianapolis |
| 5 | NYIT | 0-0 | 7 | 2/14 at Palm Beach Atlantic |
| 6 | LIU Post | 0/0 | 8 | 2/16 vs. American International |
| 7 | Limestone | 2-0 | 16 | 2/17 vs. No. 12 Saint Leo |
| 8 | Belmont Abbey | 2-0 | 11 | 2/16 vs. No. 10 Lenoir-Rhyne |
| 9 | Tampa | 0-1 | 5 | 2/16 vs. Florida Southern |
| 10 | Lenoir-Rhyne | 0-1 | 3 | 2/16 vs. No 8 Belmont Abbey |
| 11 | Mount Olive | 0-0 | 9 | 2/15 at Catawba |
| 12 | Saint Leo | 1-0 | 10 | 2/11 vs. Notre Dame De Manur |
| 13 | Saint Anselm | 0-0 | 12 | 2/23 at No. 6 LIU Post |
| 14 | Mercyhurst | 0-0 | 13 | 2/16 vs. No. 16 Wingate |
| 15 | Mercy | 0-0 | 14 | 2/13 vs. American International |
| 16 | Wingate | 1-0 | 15 | 2/16 vs. No. 14 Mercyhurst |
| 17 | Pace | 0-0 | 18 | 2/23 vs. Dominican |
| 18 | Lynn | 0-0 | 19 | 2/17 vs. No. 5 NYIT |
| 19 | Indianapolis | 1-0 | 20 | 2/16 at No. 4 Seton Hill |
| 20 | Lindenwood | 1-0 | N/A | 2/16 vs. Lincoln Memorial |
Also Considered: Bentley, Colorado Mesa, Florida Southern, Florida Tech, Lake Erie, Queens (N.C.), Rollins
HOT
Limestone (+9)
The Saints sat at No. 16 based on last season’s results and a sizable loss via graduation, but they showed Saturday that they’re still a threat in Division II this season. Tyler Papa and Clark Walker each scored four goals, but it was a balanced offensive effort for Limestone. The Noah’s (Lalli and Johnson) combined for 19 saves to help stifle Lenoir-Rhyne all day.
Belmont Abbey (+3)
Liam Osborne had a day against Tampa on Feb. 2, dropping seven goals and adding an assist to fuel the 13-9 victory. He’s one of the top offensive threats in this country, and with him clicking, Abbey could be as potent as any team in the nation. Next up is a matchup with a Lenoir-Rhyne team desperate for a victory.
NOT
Lenoir-Rhyne (-7)
It was a nightmare start for a Bears team coming off a historic season in 2018. Limestone came to town and took down Lenoir-Rhyne 19-9 — the most goals allowed since the Saints last came to Hickory, N.C. in 2017. Maybe Limestone is a powerhouse again. Maybe Lenoir-Rhyne has taken a step back. It’s too early to decipher, but the Belmont Abbey game this weekend will be another test.
Tampa (-4)
The Spartans opened the season with a 13-9 loss to Belmont Abbey. It’s not a major blow, but it was a game in which star Andrew Kew had just one goal. Tampa has a road trip to Florida Southern this weekend, with a shot to pick up its first win of the season.
IN
Lindenwood
In a battle of teams West of the Mississippi, Lindenwood got past 2018 darling Colorado Mesa 16-10. Carter Collins had four goals and one assist to lead the Lions, who replace the team they beat in this week’s rankings.
OUT
Colorado Mesa
Jack Griffin’s five goals weren’t enough to get by Lindenwood over the weekend. It’s the most goals allowed by Mesa since March of 2015, when Limestone dropped 24 in a blowout victory. A road battle with Rockhurst awaits — a game Colorado Mesa will need to win to maintain a grip on the West.