The first weekend of the season is in the books, and while most of the country has yet to get underway, Division I women’s lacrosse finally has some fresh results.

Nine teams in the top 20 got their seasons started over the weekend, with one top-20 matchup highlighting the slate Sunday afternoon. Of course, it’s probably best to address the elephant in the room. As we explained in the first update to the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Men’s Top 20 last Monday, the Ivy League teams will remain in our rankings — for now.

That means Penn (No. 11) and Dartmouth (No. 16) will hang in limbo while the lacrosse world awaits definitive news from the Ivy League about whether or not spring sports will be played. If any information becomes available on individual teams, we will update the top 20 accordingly.

Anyway, let’s talk about the games that actually happened on the opening weekend of the 2021 season.

Nike/US Lacrosse
Division I Women’s Top 20

 Also considered (alphabetical order): Colorado, Hofstra, Navy (1-0), Penn State (1-0), Stanford

Nike/US Lacrosse Rankings

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

HOT

North Carolina (No change)

The Tar Heels came in as the super team, flaunting an enviable stable of depth all across the field. An offense featuring Katie Hoeg, Jamie Ortega and No. 1 incoming freshman Caitlyn Wurzburger — among many, many other options — was as good as advertised. But don’t overlook that defense.

In a game that came together in the course of a day, UNC hosted Stony Brook when both teams had other opponents postpone. Stony Brook started hot, scoring the first two goals of the game, but held its last lead at 3-2. UNC’s defense was stifling, holding the Seawolves scoreless over the final 23:29 in a 14-7 win.

Northwestern (+1)

How about the Wildcats’ start to 2021? All Kelly Amonte Hiller’s group did was lead Ohio State 18-0 at halftime en route to a 23-7 victory. Izzy Scane tied a Northwestern record with nine goals. We always knew Northwestern could score, but the defense remains the big question. Starting off 2021 with a shutout in the first half eases some of those worries.

Florida (+1)

Florida moves up a spot after Stony Brook fell a couple of spots. The Gators certainly played well enough to justify the promotion, defeating Louisville 14-7 in a game in which Tewaaraton candidate Shannon Kavanagh notched the 200th point of her career. Florida didn’t overwhelm Louisville, which was a bit surprising to see, but perhaps it’s a sign of Louisville taking an unexpected step forward. Either way, Florida is as dangerous a team as any.

USC (No change)

What a USC debut for Maddie McDaniel, the James Madison transfer who helps fill immediate needs on the attack and at the draw. She brought in 13 draw controls as USC trounced San Diego State 20-6. Lindsey Munday did a great job of recognizing team needs after losing some players to graduation and the transfer portal, with McDaniel showcasing her value right away. As did Penn transfer Michaela McMahon, who contributed two goals, two assists, two ground balls and two caused turnovers in her first game playing alongside her older sister, Izzy (who also had two goals and two assists).

NOT

Stony Brook (-2)

Let’s not overreact to Stony Brook’s loss against the de facto No. 1 team in the country with a smothering defense. Rainy, muddy conditions could have certainly played a factor in the sloppiness on both sides, though the Stony Brook offense appeared unsettled in the final 20-plus minutes. Goalie play very well could have been the difference here, too. Taylor Moreno made 10 saves for the Tar Heels, while Kameron Halsall made just seven for the Seawolves.

Stony Brook gets a big test in its next game, a Feb. 27 tilt against Syracuse in the Carrier Dome. Last year in the Dome, Stony Brook earned a win in one of the best games of the season.