Several Top-10 Teams Tumble in D-II Men's Top 20

What are they putting in the water in Florida? 

Flagler continues to make headlines by refusing to lose, but there’s another school from the Sunshine State making waves these days in Division II. Embry-Riddle extended its winning streak to five, with wins over Newberry (11-10), Molloy (12-9) and Palm Beach Atlantic (12-7). All-American transfer Tim Keefe has energized the offense, leading the team in scoring and assists. 

The hot streak can be denied no longer, as the Eagles have soared into the USA Lacrosse Top 20.

The major movement comes in the top 10, as Pace, Wingate and Bentley all took losses. Pace fell to Seton Hill 16-5, giving the Griffins their biggest win of the year. Wade Brunelle’s nine points stole the show, and Seton Hill never trailed in the game. Seton Hill has won each of its last four games by at least 10 goals. 

Wingate fought admirably but allowed Newberry to hold an 8-2 second-quarter lead. The Bulldogs fought all the way back to tie it at 10, but a late goal from Scott Williams gave Newberry a 14-13 win. Wingate’s only win against a ranked opponent is now from Feb. 8 when the Bulldogs beat then-No. 15 Florida Southern, and that means they will take a slight tumble down the ranking stairs.

From a tumble to a real stumble, Bentley had a rough week in the NE-10 — a 16-8 loss on Tuesday to Saint Anselm, and then a trip to top-ranked Adelphi. Bentley was able to hang tough early, building a 2-1 first-quarter lead. A strong zone defense and some great play from goalie Ryan Bordiere kept the Panthers at bay in the early going. Eventually, the dam broke. A 5-2 second quarter seized momentum for Adelphi. Braden Donnellan’s six points and Vincent McDermott’s four goals overwhelmed Bentley, and Adelphi stayed perfect.

Saint Michael’s foray into the Top 20 ends this week after a 9-8 loss to unranked Southern New Hampshire. Molloy also drops out following back-to-back losses at the hands of Florida vigilantes Embry-Riddle and Flagler. 

It’s going to be difficult for any team to crack that top four, but anything can happen in Division II Lacrosse. Just ask Embry-Riddle and Flagler.

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