Taylor's Takes: Conference Rematches I Can't Wait to Watch

It’s hard to believe that Selection Sunday is waiting in the wings. With only Boston College’s place in the NCAA tournament set in stone, fans are in for a huge week of playoff lacrosse action from the remaining conferences around the country.

Some tournaments have already seen quarterfinal action (with some surprising upsets to boot) while others begin their semifinal action Thursday and Friday before championship weekend arrives.

Conference tournament time always brings exciting rematches, shakes up the polls and heavily impacts potential NCAA hosting opportunities and bids. This week, I’ll look at repeat contests that I’m looking forward to watching, dive into a few surprising quarterfinal losses and predict the top eight seeds for the NCAA tournament. Let’s do this!

REMATCHES TO WATCH

Northwestern vs. Johns Hopkins

The Wildcats earned a five-goal win over the Blue Jays back in March and are the favorite heading into the Big Ten semifinals. Both teams play similar styles, as Johns Hopkins is coached by former Northwestern assistant Tim McCormack. He knows the Wildcats system very well, so I’m fascinated to see how heplans for this rematch.

UConn vs. Georgetown

These two opponents are very familiar with one another, as UConn just squeaked out a one-goal victory over Georgetown last weekend. These Big East rivals continually play good games each season, and I’m intrigued to see how both coaching staffs adjust after having just played one another five days ago. Do they make big changes or stick to the same gameplan?

Drexel vs. Hofstra

This is another rematch in less than a week, and I personally can’t wait to see how Hofstra comes out on Thursday after losing a one-goal heartbreaker. They will have to figure out a way to stop Dragons star Corinne Bednarik, though, if they’re to pull out a win in CAA tournament action.

Princeton vs. Penn

Princeton upset Penn back in early April, but who wins this Ivy League conference tournament game is anyone’s guess. These two fundamentals-first teams match up very well against one another and have the athleticism and competitive drive to make this game a good old-fashioned shootout.

SURPRISES SO FAR

Rutgers upsets Maryland

Rutgers was in a must-win situation during Big Ten quarterfinal action and was able to turn that pressure into a surprise victory over the Terps. The Scarlet Knights always do the little things very well (ground ball, draws and clearing) and were able to wear down Maryland’s stout defense thanks to extra possessions earned through gritty defensive play.

No North Carolina in ACC semis

For the first time in ACC history, the Tar Heels were not a part of their conference semifinals. UNC has had an injury-plagued 2024 season, but I continue to be impressed with the way their youth and reserves adapt. The Heels played Virginia closely and have the ability to turn red-hot very quickly, so I can’t wait to see them back in action.

Lehigh over Army

It took three overtimes for Lehigh to avenge its 12-goal loss to Army from March. Gabby Schneider and Cassie Marte led the way with five points each, and the draw team dominated between the 30s to help seal the deal. This result certainly shakes up the rest of the Patriot League tournament and will make for an interesting weekend.

PREDICTED NCAA TOURNAMENT SEEDS

1. Northwestern

Northwestern appears to be the most complete team. It’s one of the toughest things to do — winning two national championships in a row — but the Wildcats certainly have all of the weapons needed.

2. Boston College

An impressive and gritty comeback in the ACC final has propelled the Eagles up in both the polls and NCAA tournament seeding. The Eagles have proven time and again that we should never count them out in May, and this year is no different.

3. Syracuse

Despite losing in the ACC final, Syracuse has shown that it has quietly grown in all aspects this spring. The pieces of the Orange’s puzzle have come together at the most crucial times, making them one of the toughest teams to face late in the spring.

4. Penn

A fundamentally sound team across the board, the Quakers are primed to make their first Final Four run in years. Led by star midfielder Niki Miles, Penn is one of those teams that has just been getting it done. They aren’t the fanciest, but boy, are they effective.

5. Michigan

With only three losses, all to teams ranked highly, the Wolverines are having their best season in program history. Their defense, led by human brick wall Erin O’Grady, is one of the most lethal in the country and is one I would not want to face in single elimination situation.

6. Yale

Yale has burst onto the scene the past couple of seasons, dominating both Ivy League and non-conference play. The Bulldogs are relentless in their hustle all over the field and possess an overall lacrosse IQ that is higher than most other teams. Combining that hustle and intelligence has been their superpower.

7. Virginia

I didn’t know what to expect from Virginia this season with new head coach Sonia LaMonica at the helm, but man, have I been impressed with the Hoos. There’s a spark and energy to their play that has made them one of my favorite teams to watch. The Cavaliers held their own in the ACC and will be a tough matchup for every team in this tournament.

8. Maryland

Maryland has had a couple of surprising conference losses this spring but has also secured some big-time victories. Playing one of the toughest schedules in the country, the Terps are battle tested coming into May with an exceptional veteran defense that is used to playing against the best of the best.