Montevallo Ranked for First Time in USA Lacrosse Division II Men's Top 20

Welcome to the first in-season update to the USA Lacrosse Division II Men’s Top 20.

As per usual, several results have us spinning, maybe even scrambling, to make sense of this first week of competition. Part of that is the inactivity of the NE-10, Division II’s most reliable, and rambunctious, conference.

The irony of weather being perfect for lacrosse games across the northeast is not lost on us, but schedules are schedules, and we must submit to their power.

The biggest result impacting this update didn't even happen this week — Wingate dropping its season opener to Florida Southern was a surprise to everyone. Well, everyone except diehard Florida Southern supporters. But that same group was thrown for a loop when the Mocs dropped their second game to Montevallo, 19-18 in overtime.

That result popped Montevallo onto the radar, and coupled with losses of multiple teams in the bottom of the Top 20, resulted in the Falcons’ first-ever appearance in the ranking.

The reigning champs proved that they belong in the top spot with a 17-7 win over UIndy on Sunday. Lenoir-Rhyne has started 3-0 and looks downright explosive on offense. The Bears have outscored their first three opponents 30-10 … in the first half.

Next week, we will see the NE-10 enter the chat, and even more tests for Lenoir-Rhyne, which faces Tampa, and an opportunity for Merychurst and UIndy to make a good first impression. We will also get a much better sense of where Florida Southern is when it travels to Limestone.

USA LACROSSE DIVISION II
MEN’S TOP 20

1. Lenoir-Rhyne, 3-0 (Prev: 1)
2. Adelphi, 0-0 (Prev: 2)
3. Limestone, 2-0 (Prev: 3)
4. Rollins, 2-0 (Prev: 5)
5. Tampa, 2-0 (Prev: 6)
6. Saint Anselm, 0-0 (Prev: 8)
7. Wingate, 1-1 (Prev: 4)
8. Mercy, 0-0 (Prev: 9)
9. Mercyhurst, 0-1 (Prev: 7)
10. Florida Southern, 1-1 (Prev: 11)
11. UIndy, 2-1 (Prev: 10)
12. Bentley, 0-0 (Prev: 12)
13. Colorado Mesa, 0-0 (Prev: 13)
14. Pace, 0-0 (Prev: 14)
15. Seton Hill, 1-0 (Prev: 15)
16. Frostburg State, 0-0 (Prev: 16)
17. Newberry, 1-0 (Prev: 17)
18. Maryville, 1-0 (Prev: NR)
19. Lander, 2-0 (Prev: NR)
20. Montevallo, 1-1 (Prev: NR)

Also considered (alphabetical order): Barton, Belmont Abbey, Molloy, North Greenville

HOT

Rollins (+1)

Rollins cruised through the first two games, and Mikey Berkman was electric against Barton. Rollins plays a tough schedule but will be a tough out. The Tars are idle next week.

NOT

Wingate (-3)

A stunner to start the Division II season, as Wingate lost to Florida Southern, so the Bulldogs slid in the Top 20. They rebounded with a convincing win over Mercyhurst, so the slide isn’t too far. They’re off this week and then host a frisky Maryville team on February 24.

Mercyhurst (-2)

An opening weekend loss at Wingate slides Mercyhurst back a bit. The Lakers have a tough schedule to start 2024 and will visit UIndy next weekend for a chance at a quality win.

IN

Maryville (No. 18)

Maryville knocked the former occupier of this spot, Lewis, out of the Top 20 via a 13-5 win. Zach Baker notched five goals in the head-turning win. Could Maryville emerge as a contender in the GLVC?

Lander (No. 19)

Don’t look now, but the Peach Belt might be bringing it this year. Lander sits 2-0 with solid wins over Mount Olive and Coker. The Bearcats play Emmanuel on Valentine’s Day, and then it’s a major opportunity to make a statement with a trip to Limestone. Jeremy Wudrick has been great in the early season for Lander.

Montevallo (No. 20)

The Falcons started the year with a loss to UIndy, but a win against Florida Southern can’t be ignored. Particularly after Florida Southern took down Wingate. Matthew Boas has nine goals in two games, and Montevallo has played its way into the Top 20.

OUT

Barton (was No. 18)

Losing to Lenoir-Rhyne and Rollins to start the year can easily be explained away, but the 18-10 and 18-11 results were indicative of how undermatched Barton was. The Bulldogs can get right against Coker on Tuesday.

Lewis (was No. 19)

A 13-5 loss to Maryville was just as shocking for Lewis and it was its opponent. With its next five opponents leaning to the easier side, Lewis can next make a statement on March 10 against Colorado Mesa.

Belmont Abbey (was No. 20)

Somebody had to make way for Montevallo, and that would be the 1-1 Crusaders. They opened with a win over Mars Hill before being utterly outplayed against Lenoir-Rhyne.