Welcome to the Gameday Guide.

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

Check out the rankings and TV listings for more.

The end of the regular season is upon the ACC, and we already know where the conference tournament will get played. UNC will go for its sixth-straight ACC crown at home after beating Duke 18-4 on Thursday night. It’s also the final weekend before league championships for teams in the Atlantic 10, Big South, MAAC and Southern Conference. 

The rest of Division I, including the Big Ten, Big East and Ivies, all have another week before their conference tournaments. So even with arguably the game of the week decided, this weekend’s slate holds plenty of gravity for teams jockeying for positioning in their league tournaments.

There’s also a rematch of last year’s national title game between Syracuse and Boston College. But if it’s any indication of how good the schedule is — it’s not even the weekend’s top game.

GAMES TO WATCH
ALL TIMES EASTERN

GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 2 Northwestern at No. 6 Maryland

What’s better than Boston College-Syracuse? A date between the top two teams in the Big Ten. Neither team has lost in league play — Maryland’s only loss came at the hands of No. 11 James Madison, and Northwestern fell to No. 5 Boston College and No. 1 North Carolina. The winner of Saturday’s game between the titans will grab the top spot in the conference championship hosted by Rutgers.

Lauren Gilbert, who is sixth nationally in goals per game (4.13), headlines a Northwestern attack that ranks sixth in Division I in scoring offense (16.87). But the Wildcats have their work cut out for them. Maryland’s scoring defense is second in the country (7.50), led by the nation’s leader in save percentage, Emily Sterling (.554).

UPSET WATCH

No. 17 UMass at Davidson

The Minutewomen are undefeated in Atlantic-10 play and appear poised to defend their title. But a road date with a Davidson team having a record-setting campaign stands in the way of UMass and a clean slate. The Wildcats have tied a program-record 12 wins, are undefeated at home and pushed No. 20 Richmond in a 15-11 loss last weekend. 

Will it be easy? No. The Minutewomen, led by Kendra Harbinger (43G, 12A) and Kelly Mara (41G, 5A), are fifth nationally in scoring offense (17.25). But Davidson can score, too. The 'Cats are averaging 14.93 goals per game and put in 23 goals earlier this month against Duquesne, the most in a single game in program history. Erin Cooke (29G, 34A) and Gianna New (44G, 9A) pace the Wildcats’ attack. Defensively, UMass is holding teams to 9.06 goals per game, while Davidson’s team goals-against average is 10.40.

In other words, they’re more evenly matched than one might think. The X-factor? Davidson has more to play for. The Minutewomen already know they’re the top seed and host for the conference tournament. A win could help the Wildcats secure the three-seed (and avoid UMass in the semifinals) if Saint Joseph’s, which beat Davidson by three April 1, loses to La Salle. The motivation could push Davidson over the edge.

BEST GAME NO ONE’S TALKING ABOUT

Temple at No. 9 Florida

With all the big games in the ACC and Big Ten this weekend, it’s easy for literally every other game to fly under the radar. But this American Athletic Conference clash is not to be missed. The stakes are high for the Owls if they want to get back to the NCAA tournament. Upsetting Florida would give them the signature win their resume lacks should they need to rely on an at-large bid (Florida is favored to win the AAC). It would also be Temple’s first win in program history against the Gators. Florida is 12-0 in the series, including a 19-4 rout in last year’s AAC title game.

The teams boast identical 10-4 overall records and are 3-0 in league play. Syracuse is a common non-conference opponent, but the programs had vastly different Dome experiences. Florida upended the Orange 14-10 on March 16, and Temple lost 22-7 on March 26.

But the Owls are undefeated since then and most recently beat East Carolina 15-10. Florida’s streaking, too. The Gators topped Vanderbilt 16-8 last weekend for their eighth straight win. 

A trio of Long Islanders headline Florida’s offense and defense. Danielle Pavinelli (48G, 20A) and Emma LoPinto (44G, 24A) pace the Gator attack, while Sarah Reznick has shined in net (9.84 GAA, 47.6 SV%). But Reznick will have to contend with a pair of 40-goal scorers in Belle Mastropietro (40G, 16A) and Quinn Nicolai (43G, 9A, 77DC). 

An upset is unlikely. A closer game than last year’s conference championship isn’t.

UNDER-THE-RADAR STARS

Mary Soures, Siena

Albany tends to get much of the attention in New York’s Capital Region. But 12 minutes away, Mary Soures is tearing it up on offense for Siena. The senior midfielder is fourth in Division I in goals per game (4.67) and has scored a team-high 60 times for the Saints. She’s found the back of the cage multiple times in each of Siena’s 17 games, including a nine-goal performance March 26 against Iona and a four-goal effort in the Saints’ win over Niagara Thursday.

Madison Griffin, Robert Morris

Robert Morris sits atop the MAC lacrosse standings at 8-0, and Madison Griffin’s scrappy play has been a big reason for the Colonials’ success. The senior does the little things right. She leads RMU in ground balls (44) and caused turnovers (31) and is third nationally in caused turnovers per game (2.67). She’s also second on the team with 44 draws.

Isabelle Vitale, USC

Stanford’s freshman class, headlined by Ashley Humphrey, has garnered the lion’s share of the headlines. That’s fair. Humphrey leads the nation in assists per game (4.27). But another Pac-12 freshman is proving she can dish 'em, too. Isabelle Vitale is tied with Loyola’s Georgia Latch for third among freshmen nationally in assists per game (1.79). The former Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.) standout also leads the Women of Troy in assists (23) and points (48). She’s tallied multiple points in 12 of USC’s 14 games.