Welcome to the Gameday Guide.

Every weekend during the college lacrosse season, US Lacrosse Magazine staff will riff here on the juiciest matchups, trendiest topics, biggest storylines and hottest takes.

Well, this weekend already kicked off with a bang.

On the heels of a six-game losing streak, Ohio State hosted Penn State at noon on Friday and blitzed the Nittany Lions in the first half, scoring 11 goals and hanging on for a 15-12 win. Penn State, ranked No. 10 in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Women’s Top 20, has a shot at redemption on Sunday.

Buckeyes win it at the Shoe. @OhioStateWLAX holds on to down @PennStateWLAX 15-12 in another Big Ten clash.

Ferrara: 3G, 1A
Beekhuizen: 3G
McGregor: 3G pic.twitter.com/JA6y50cEbK

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) March 26, 2021

We’ve come to expect the unexpected in the Big Ten, with the only constant being Northwestern atop the standings. The Wildcats do play Maryland two games in a row starting Saturday, so Northwestern will either separate itself from the pack or reinforce the fact that the Big Ten is a dart throw on a game-by-game basis.

That’s one game we’re watching out for this weekend, but there’s even more action outside of the Big Ten.

As always, check out our TV Listings page for the entire list of games coming up.

GAMES TO WATCH
All times Eastern

GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 8 Maryland at No. 3 Northwestern

Northwestern can firmly solidify itself as the top team in the Big Ten with wins on Saturday and Monday. It’s difficult to judge Big Ten teams on a national scale, just because the conference is only playing in-conference competition. But Northwestern appears to be right up there with the likes of North Carolina and Syracuse.

Maryland is on a five-game winning streak since a season-opening loss to Penn State. Those five wins haven’t necessarily been the prettiest, but wins are wins. The Terps can make a big-time statement by even taking one of these upcoming contests.

Game No One’s Talking About
Colorado at Arizona State

Neither team is ranked, but these squads are interesting. Arizona State is one week removed from a massive 20-9 win over USC, and although Colorado is just 3-3, two of its losses came in overtime. The Buffs also begin their weekend with a road game against USC Friday night.

Those three teams currently comprise the next tier of Pac-12 teams behind Stanford (which holds a slim lead in its own right), so this weekend’s games will do a lot to determine the conference hierarchy.

UPSET WATCH
James Madison at No. 9 Virginia

James Madison fell out of favor in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Women’s Top 20 when it fell to Elon, and even thought the Dukes are coming off a 15-5 loss to UNC, they’re playing much better than even a few weeks ago.

This is an in-state rivalry game, so anything can happen. Each of the past seven matchups have been decided by five goals or fewer, with five of those games going in Virginia’s favor.

Under-the-Radar Stars

Alex McNicholas, Louisville

Louisville has been a darling of this 2021 spring season, but the Cardinals’ schedule is incredibly difficult moving forward. If they’re to continue their winning ways, McNicholas will be key. She’s contributed all over the field with eight goals, four assists, 13 ground balls, 15 draw controls and 10 caused turnovers.

Nicole Victory, Navy

She’s under the radar because Navy has still played just three games after a long campus pause due to COVID-19 concerns. She has 10 goals and three assists in those three games, and entering a historic rivalry game against Army, she’ll be important to the Mids’ plans.

Eliza Radochonski, Denver

In five games, Radochonski is the Pios’ leading scorer with 17 goals on 25 shots. When the ball’s in her stick, it’s likely finding the back of the net in short order.

SMALL SCHOOL GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 5 Adelphi at No. 3 Le Moyne

Sunday's game is the first of two scheduled regular-season meetings between these two NE10 powerhouses that are also the last two national championship winners. Le Moyne claimed the 2018 crown and Adelphi won the 2019 title. Anchored by All-American defender Olivia McEntee, the Dolphins defense has been as advertised thus far, allowing just nine goals through two games, but it will be tested by Adelphi's offensive firepower, led by All-Americans Kole Pollock and Alison Johnson.

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