1-2 Showdown Will Soon Alter Division II Women's Top 20

As we near the end of March, there are just five unbeaten teams remaining, and four of them reside among the top five in this week’s USA Lacrosse Division II Women's Top 20.

The game of the year, No. 1 Tampa versus No. 2 Florida Southern, is Wednesday at 5 p.m. Eastern and will, of course, drop one of these teams from the ranks of the unbeaten. This is the only regular season meeting between the Sunshine State Conference rivals but could be the first of three possible matchups when looking ahead to the postseason.

The margin between these two powerhouse squads is usually razor thin, as demonstrated last year. Tampa prevailed in two of the three matchups, with a total difference of four goals separating the teams.

One question mark for Tampa heading into Wednesday’s game is whether the defending champion Spartans will be at full strength. Midfield star Sarah Engle has missed the last three games, while All-American attacker Sophi Wrisk has missed the last two. As the team’s second- and third-leading scorers, having them both back against the Mocs would be a big boost.

While Tampa-Florida Southern is clearly the marquee showdown, there are also other big games to watch this week. Staying in the SSC, No. 5 Lynn puts its unbeaten run on the line against No. 6 Saint Leo, while Tampa follows its FSC showdown three days later with a visit to No. 7 Embry-Riddle. 

Elsewhere, No. 8 Adelphi visits No. 9 Pace in a battle between the NE10’s two preseason favorites, and No. 10 Lander hosts No. 11 Flagler in Gulf South action.

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

USA LACROSSE DIVISION II 
WOMEN'S TOP 20