South Region Influences USA Lacrosse D-II Women’s Top 20 Update

About half the teams in the USA Lacrosse Division II Women’s Top 20 took to the field in the opening week, with much of the action centered in the South Region. And nobody looked better than defending champion Tampa, which steamrolled its SSC rival Rollins, 26-9.

The visiting Spartans simply picked up where they left off last May, scoring early and often to register their largest margin of victory ever against their league rival. Loyola transfer Sarah Engle had quite the debut, setting a new Tampa single-game record with eight goals, while Sophi Wrisk, one of the heroes of last year’s title run, added six goals and reached the 100-point career milestone.

Also in the South, No. 2 Florida Southern defeated No. 8 Flagler 10-8 in a rematch from last year’s NCAA tournament. Giana Murphy, who missed the 2024 season due to injury, led the Mocs with three goals, while goalie Rylie Rittburg recorded seven saves.

No. 14 Saint Leo jumps five spots following a 2-0 opening road trip that included a 14-11 win at preseason No. 11 Limestone. With a strong returning nucleus from last year’s 12-6 campaign, the Lions have high hopes of being among the top challengers in the SSC. They face another stiff early season test this week at Flagler.

The schedule gets a little busier this week with three more Top 20 teams kicking off their seasons. Saturday’s matchup with No. 1 Tampa visiting No. 6 Maryville is the marquee game of the week.

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