Florida Not Kind to Visitors in D-II Women's Top 20

Early spring is usually a nice time to visit Florida, but out-of-towners didn’t find much hospitality in the Sunshine State last week.

The six Florida-based teams in the USA Lacrosse Division II Women's Top 20 were a combined 13-0 against out-of-state visitors, making a strong statement about the current balance of power and bringing wholesale changes to this week’s ranking.

Led by No. 1 Tampa, Florida teams now occupy five of the top seven spots and six of the top 11 positions. They have a cumulative 45-6 record, with all six losses coming against each other.

Two years ago, eventual NCAA champion Pace used a blistering first quarter to upend Florida Southern in the 2023 national semifinals. On Sunday, No. 2 FSC returned the favor, jumping to a 10-1 first-quarter lead on the way to a 20-11 victory over the previously unbeaten and No. 3-ranked Pacers.

Earlier in the week, FSC also defeated UIndy, one of three losses in five days for UIndy in Florida. The No. 16 Greyhounds drop six spots in this week’s ranking.

No. 6 Saint Leo and No. 11 Flagler both feasted on out-of-state visitors, with both teams making big jumps. Saint Leo defeated Seton Hill and Kutztown to raise its record to 8-1 and register its best start since 2019. Flagler won three times, including a pair of top-10 wins over Kutztown and UIndy, to climb eight spots.

There are more big games this week, with No. 8 Pace continuing its spring trip with a visit to No. 1 Tampa. No. 4 Maryville heads to No. 9 Grand Valley State, and No. 7 Embry-Riddle hosts No. 18 Saint Anselm.

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