Saint Anselm Secure at No. 4 Heading into Season's Biggest Test

It was a week that went according to plan from the start. The sort of week in which every ranked team either beat a team ranked below them or walloped an unranked squad. 

As a result, the USA Lacrosse Division II Men's Top 20 is shaped by slight movements up and down.

A 7-6 overtime victory for Saint Anselm on Friday against a plucky Assumption squad threatened to derail that narrative, but the Hawks stuck to the script. Will Andrews hit the winner with 2:45 left to play in the extra frame to keep Saint Anselm undefeated at 6-0 — cementing a spot as one of the top four teams in the nation.

The big Saturday games saw Embry-Riddle continue its midseason tear with a defeat of Florida Tech, 12-10. That win pushes the Eagles further up the board as they take on Lynn next week. 

Seton Hill’s masterful offensive performance launched the Griffins over Lewis 17-9 in the only upset of the weekend. A massive six-goal third quarter pushed the Griffins over the top. Seton Hill faceoff man Mark Strunk went 16-for-26, scooped 11 ground balls and added a goal to pace the Griffins, who move to 9-1 as they sink into the depths of GMAC conference play for the rest of their season. Sleep on the Hill at your own risk.

The late games Saturday were bereft of surprise, as Limestone doubled up Newberry 18-9, and Anderson kept its winning streak going with a 25-10 victory over Coker. 

Adelphi steamrolled Southern New Hampshire 27-5. Sixteen players registered at least a point, and Michael Durnin led all scorers with 5 goals and 3 assists. The Panthers are still very much the team to beat in Division II, but next weekend, they face their biggest test yet — NE-10 foe Saint Anselm on the road in New Hampshire.

Belmont Abbey’s resume, and a few teams on the bubble faltering, gets the Crusaders a spot in the Top 20 after they defeated Mount Olive 13-6. That was their sixth win in a row, and if they keep the tempo up, they could win out against the remainder of their schedule. Their most difficult game comes next weekend when they face Conference Carolinas rival North Greenville on the road.

Continue below to see the entire Top 20, which is compiled by USA Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors.

USA LACROSSE DIVISION II 
MEN'S TOP 20