Flagler Plants Flag in Nike/USA Lacrosse Division II Women's Top 20

Every year, one of the most enjoyable elements of compiling the weekly Nike/USA Lacrosse Division II Women’s Top 20 is tracking the unexpected. Regardless of the amount of research, analysis, and input gathered in the preseason, there’s always teams that are off the radar … until the games begin.

Two years ago, that team was Roberts Wesleyan, which was unranked in the preseason but captured its first East Coast Conference championship and advanced to the national semifinals of the NCAA tournament while enjoying a record-setting 14-2 season.

Last year, two new programs emerged as contenders in the strong Sunshine State Conference, as Embry-Riddle and Lynn stayed in the championship hunt for most of the season and climbed steadily from unranked status to the shadow of the top 10. Breakthrough campaigns enjoyed by both programs.

And after two weekends of play this year, we might have a new contender for 2023 in Flagler. This second-year program located in St. Augustine, Florida, is off to a 2-0 start with convincing victories over ranked foes Florida Tech and Embry-Riddle. Led by coach Grant Kelam, who also established the program at Mount Olive before taking over at Flagler, the Saints finished 11-8 in their inaugural season and are tabbed as the favorites in the Gulf South Conference’s coaches poll. Their quick start is making that choice look good.

With great early momentum, Kelam’s program has a chance to capture a statement win this week when it welcomes No. 5 Grand Valley State, which enters the season as a legitimate national championship contender. GVSU opens at Flagler on Thursday and visits No. 10 Rollins on Saturday.

In the top 10, defending champion No. 8 UIndy opened its season with a dominating 18-1 win over Concordia- St-Paul, while No. 9 Tampa and Rollins have both started 2-0. Four more ranked teams take to the field for their first games this week, including No. 6 Regis visiting No. 14 Lynn.

NIKE/USA LACROSSE
DIVISION II WOMEN’S TOP 20

Also considered (alphabetical order): IUP, Limestone, Millersville, Mount Olive, Roberts Wesleyan

Nike/US Lacrosse Rankings

Division I Men | Division I Women
Division II Men | Division II Women
Division III Men | Division III Women

HOT

Tampa (same)

The Spartans opened the year with a 2-0 swing through Alabama, tallying 19 goals in both games while beating both Montevallo and Ala-Huntsville. They’ve got one more tune-up with their home opener Saturday against Lincoln Memorial, then face their first big challenge of the season when No. 2 ranked Adelphi visits on Feb. 21.

Rollins (same)

The Tars posted a pair of solid road wins on a two-game trip through North Carolina, beating Lenoir-Rhyne and then Limestone. All-America attacker Caroline Gastonguay enjoyed a big opening weekend, scoring 3g-2a in 10-9 win at L-R, then adding 4g-6a, six gbs, and three caused turnovers in the win at Limestone. A big showdown looms with No. 5 Grand Valley State in this week’s home opener.

NOT

Embry-Riddle (-4)

As noted above, Embry-Riddle was one of 2022’s breakthrough squads, fueled by an 11-game winning streak to start the year. This season, however, isn’t starting the same way, as the Eagles dropped their opener at Flagler, 16-11. They visit Young Harris in a non-conference game this week before starting a five-game homestand that might help them get untracked.

IN

Flagler (No. 16)

After opening the year with an 18-6 road win at Florida Tech, the Saints captured their first win over a nationally-ranked opponent last Saturday by beating Embry-Riddle, 16-11. Lexie Morton tied a school record with six goals, and Flagler outshot ERAU 44-23..

St. Leo (No. 17)

Junior Fiona McLaughlin has nine goals through two games to help guide St. Leo to a 2-0 start and a spot in the Top 20. After tallying four goals in the opening win at Barton, McLaughlin added five more in last Friday’s win at previously No. 20 Mt. Olive.

OUT

Davenport (was No. 18)

There’s optimism at DU, which features a couple of prolific scorers in Ayanna Turrubiates and Anna Glynn, but back-to-back losses to start the year puts a bit of a damper on that enthusiasm. A six-game road trip to start the year doesn’t make it any easier. Next up is a visit to No. 14 Lynn.

Mt. Olive (was No. 20)

The Trojans are the preseason favorite to repeat as Conference Carolinas champion, but started on the wrong foot with a home loss to St. Leo. They play three more at home, starting against No. 7 Florida Southern this week, before going on the road for the first time.