HOT
Mount Olive (+1)
The Trojans are off to a 3-0 start with wins over Queens (N.C.) and now-No. 14 Catawba by an average of seven goals per game. The closest game so far this season? A 10-8 season-opening victory over Coker on Feb. 10. Aidan Lalonde and Lucas Shein both have five goals and two assists on the season.
NOT
Belmont Abbey (-11)
It was a tough start for Belmont Abbey, which dropped back-to-back games to Catawba (13-9) and Lenoir-Rhyne (14-11). The 10 goals per game so far this season is down from 13.9 in the seven games played during the 2020 season.
IN
Catawba (No. 14)
The first time Catawba has entered the rankings in quite some time, and it did so in convincing fashion. Matt Mitchell (three goals, one assist) and Trevor Bellotte (two goals, two assists) fueled the 13-9 win over Belmont Abbey. The loss to Mount Olive was less-than-impressive, but the Trojans are off to a hot start.
OUT
Lynn (was No. 20)
With the season weeks away from Lynn, it falls out of the ranking in favor of a team (Catawba) that has picked up a big win already this season.