Taylor's 10: The Best Teams in the Country at the Midpoint

This week’s “Taylor’s 10” is simple. It’s a deep dive into the top 10 teams in the country at the midpoint of the 2023 season.

Who are the key contributors? What are the strengths? The weaknesses? And what could help them hoist the NCAA championship trophy in May?

We’re at the midway point, where small adjustments and minute details make a world of difference, and there’s so much lacrosse left to play. Syracuse is currently the heavy favorite for a Memorial Day victory, but any of the remaining nine teams on this list (and even some off it) could take it all.

Here are my picks for the top 10 teams in 2023 as of now, listed in reverse order.

10. LOYOLA

Loyola has been solid all season, and with only two losses (both to ranked opponents), the Greyhounds will be a scary team to face come NCAA tournament time. Led by defender Katie Detwiler and goalie Lauren Spence, their ability to shift through different defensive schemes and pressures is tough for any offense. Add a solid offense with a variety of weapons in Jillian Wilson, Georgia Latch, Sydni Black and Chase Boyle, and Loyola can beat any team on any day. The major question for the Hounds is if their remaining Patriot League schedule can prepare them for the tougher tournament games ahead.

9. FLORIDA

Like Loyola, Florida has many weapons at both ends. Their offense, with Emma LoPinto at X, Danielle Pavinelli and Maggi Hall at goal line extended and Madison Waters and Emily Heller up top is dynamic, athletic and a scouting nightmare. Defensively, the Gators are starting to take shape around Theresa Bragg and Catherine Flaherty. I think Florida’s greatest strength lies in net with Sarah Reznick. She is a flat-out game changer, saving nearly 50 percent of shots. The Gators have always been athletic and talented, but their decision making in tight moments late in May has been their Achilles’ heel. If Florida is to make its first Final Four since 2012, how the Gators handle their emotions and maintain their game plan will be the key.

8. MARYLAND

Maryland has had a bit of a roller coaster season with a few big wins, a couple tight losses against ranked James Madison and Denver, and a big loss to Syracuse. This 2023 Terps squad is one that is old in age but young in overall experience and has needed some time to gel. Defensively, Abby Bosco, Emily Sterling, Kennedy Major and Marge Donovan seem to be figuring things out and getting on the same page. Offensively, we’re seeing a lot of substitutions happening as Cathy Reese and Co. try to figure out what combinations work best against the different zones being thrown at them. The key to Maryland’s success will be its growth and understanding of zone offense and the continued chemistry on the defensive side. If the Terps can do both of those consistently, they can make a deep NCAA run.

7. BOSTON COLLEGE

Boston College has also been trying to find its identity in the first half. The Eagles returned key players on both ends of the ball — Belle Smith, Jenn Medjid, the Weeks twins, Hollie Schleicher and Rachel Hall — but they have been figuring out their new roles all spring. The positive for the Eagles is that they not only return talent, but a ton of experience that knows exactly what it takes to compete at a championship level. The same team that played Northwestern to one goal is not the same team that showed up against North Carolina or Denver, though, so the key for the Eagles will be growing their confidence, owning their new roles and maximizing their consistency as an entire unit.

6. STONY BROOK

Stony Brook seems to be underestimated each year, in part because of its overall lesser strength of schedule. Moving to the CAA will help that a little bit, as will wins against ranked opponents like Michigan and Yale and competitive losses to Northwestern and Syracuse. Ellie Masera has been dominant at the draw circle and on the offensive end, the trademark high pressure Stony Brook zone seems to be as difficult as ever to pick apart and the overall belief in each other is palpable. Along with questions about the schedule, the other problem for Stony Brook has been remaining disciplined against tougher opponents come May. The Seawolves have a chance to make their first Final Four in program history.

5. JAMES MADISON

James Madison is making waves after a 9-1 start and statement wins against Maryland, Florida and Virginia. The Dukes are led by junior attacker Isabella Peterson, who currently ranks among the highest scorers in the country, and crafty senior attacker Tai Jankowski. The most impressive part about JMU this season is the defense. Anchored by goalie Kat Buchanan, the Dukes’ zone is suffocating, smart and difficult to poke holes in. They’ve frazzled some of the best offenses in the country with relative ease and kept all but two opponents under 10 goals. Like Florida, Stony Brook and Loyola, the back half of JMU’s schedule isn’t as challenging as the front half, so it will be interesting to see how prepared they are for tougher competition.

4. DENVER

After a few close battles at Louisville and Colorado early in February, Denver seems to have come into its own. The Pios have acquired signature wins against Maryland and Boston College (both away games, too), and their confidence has soared ever since. Their offense is steady, their defense is smart and smothering and their goalie, Emelia Bohi, is quietly posting a 51-percent save percentage. Denver doesn’t have the flashiest offense or a roster full of big names, but the Pios are one of the most consistent units that I’ve seen across the board. If Denver can continue to grow in confidence in April, it will be even scarier come May.

3. NORTH CAROLINA

Coming into this season with so many new faces, many of us in the lacrosse world didn’t know what the 2023 version of the Tar Heels would look like. So far, they’ve been up to the task in almost every way, with the only blemish on a near-perfect start being a loss at Northwestern last week. The UNC attack is young but unafraid thanks to their steady leader in Caitlyn Wurzburger, and the defense is anchored by super sophomore Brooklyn Walker-Welch and senior Emily Nalls. The area where the Heels are hurting most from graduation last year comes in the midfield, where Ally Mastroianni’s departure is felt. The draw circle battle has been a roller coaster at times, and there are many new faces running at both ends of the field, which can be challenging. With every game, though, these new midfielders get more experience, and if they continue to progress, they will be a tough matchup for any team.

2. NORTHWESTERN

Northwestern has steamrolled through its competition after an opening weekend one-goal loss to Syracuse at the Dome. The Wildcats’ offense is creative and flashy, their draw prowess is substantial and transfer goalie Molly Laliberty is taking Division I by storm. Izzy Scane has returned from injury looking better than ever, and her chemistry with her fellow offensive players is palpable. Their defense, while able to jump in and out of different schemes, has struggled with discipline and physicality at times and could be the Achilles heel of the Wildcats’ hope for a championship run. But if they’re able to improve as consistently as they have been over the past few games, the defense could end up being the reason they win it all.

1. SYRACUSE

Syracuse has been on a mission from the opening whistle in February and hasn’t looked back. The Orange have adjusted to injuries to key players, handled any and all game plans thrown their way and played a style of lacrosse that is fast, creative and so much fun to watch. The Orange offense has threats at every single spot on the field from Emma Ward to Sierra Cockerille to Megan Carney. Goalie Delaney Sweitzer has been a game changer in net. If there’s one part of Syracuse’s game that is weaker than the rest, I’d say it’s the zone defense. If the Orange can sharpen up their slides and communication during the last few games of the regular season, though, they will continue to be the national championship favorites.