Rollins Rolling, Up 5 Spots in USA Lacrosse Division II Women's Top 20

While more than half of the teams in the USA Lacrosse Division II Women’s Top 20 have yet to see action, No. 8 Rollins has already posted four victories and leapfrogged several quality team into the top 10. The Tars continue their busy early schedule this week with another unconventional ploy, starting league play in the competitive Sunshine State Conference (SSC) before the calendar reaches March.

“Every game in our league is so tough that we decided to spread it out and not have that grind in the last month,” Rollins coach Dennis Short said. “I love how competitive our league is, but you’ve got to come prepared for every game or you will get beat.”

Short is encouraged by what he sees so far from his squad.

“You learn a lot about your team when you’re on the road for a few days,” he said. “I see a lot of humility on this team, with players genuinely excited for each other. It’s a high character group.”

Also in the SSC, No. 2 Florida Southern had a strong opening week, winning three games in five days during its first road trip of the season. The Mocs tallied 65 goals in the three games, including victories over No. 11 Flagler and No. 7 UIndy. FSC continues its journey through the Top 20 this week with its home opener against No. 12 Adelphi.

Weather in the Northeast postponed No. 1 West Chester’s season opener against Jefferson, which has been rescheduled for Wednesday. Five other Top 20 teams also launch their campaigns this week as the D-II schedule starts to get busier.

USA LACROSSE DIVISION II
WOMEN’S TOP 20

1. West Chester, 0-0 (Prev: 1)
2. Florida Southern, 3-0 (Prev: 2)
3. Tampa, 0-0 (Prev: 3)
4. Pace, 0-0 (Prev: 4)
5. Regis, 0-0 (Prev: 5)
6. Maryville, 2-0 (Prev: 8)
7. Grand Valley State, 0-0 (Prev: 6)
8. Rollins, 4-0 (Prev: 13)
9. UIndy , 1-1 (Prev: 7)
10. Seton Hill, 0-0 (Prev: 9)
11. East Stroudsburg, 0-0 (Prev: 10)
12. Adelphi, 1-0 (Prev: 14)
13. Embry-Riddle, 2-0 (Prev: 16)
14. Flagler, 2-1 (Prev: 11)
15. Wingate, 2-1 (Prev: 12)
16. Kutztown, 0-0 (Prev: 15)
17. Saint Anselm, 0-0 (Prev: 17)
18. Mercy, 0-0 (Prev: 18)
19. New Haven, 0-0 (Prev: 19)
20. Lynn, 0-0 (Prev: 20)

Also considered (alphabetical order): Bentley, Colorado Mesa, IUP, Limestone, Molloy, Walsh

HOT

Rollins (+5)

The Tars are off to a 4-0 start, all against non-ranked opponents, but impressively, three of the four games were on the road. After downing Lincoln Memorial in its home opener Sunday, Rollins is back on the road this week with the first of three straight conference games — again, all away from home. The good news for the Tars, once they get through this early stretch, is that they only leave home twice after March 1.

Embry-Riddle (+3)

The Eagles recorded the best comeback of the early season with their 14-13 win Saturday at then-No. 12 Wingate. ERAU trailed 12-5 in the third quarter before rallying behind an eight-goal run. Eliana Enners and Samantha Reich combined for nine of the team’s 14 goals, while Alexa Zeruto tallied the game-winner with 2:31 remaining.

“Teamwork and smart play won this game,” ERAU coach Caitlin Kenahan said. “I couldn't be prouder of my girls for coming together and never giving up on each other.”

NOT

Flagler (-3)

The Saints had a chance for a statement win last week, hosting No. 2 FSC in a rematch of last season’s NCAA tournament first-round game. Despite hanging close for three quarters against the Mocs, Flagler ran out of steam in the fourth quarter, getting outscored 7-1 in a 23-16 loss.

Wingate (-3)

Last year, Wingate just missed out on its first NCAA tournament bid despite winning a program-record 17 games and capturing the South Atlantic Conference championship. That’s why every game against ranked opponents in the South Region is so important, having the potential to help tip the scales favorably for postseason consideration. The Bulldogs missed on a resume builder Saturday, losing a seven-goal third quarter lead in their 14-13 home loss to No. 13 Embry-Riddle.