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.

Two games the women’s lacrosse world was looking forward to — a Friday-Sunday doubleheader between No. 9 Penn State and No. 4 Northwestern —were postponed due to COVID-related issues in the Nittany Lions’ program. 

The Big Ten’s conference-only schedule makes these games important to reschedule, and both programs are indeed working toward finding new dates.

 These aren’t the first games to be rescheduled or flat out postponed/canceled this spring, and they won’t be the last. But as we’ve said in this space before, let’s celebrate the action on the field.

It’s time for the first weekend of March lacrosse, and the powerhouse teams and dark-horse contenders of 2021 are beginning to identify themselves.

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. 11 Boston College at No. 1 North Carolina

Nobody has been able to solve North Carolina’s defensive unit in 2021. The Tar Heels are, of course, this spring’s super team, amassing a perfect 5-0 record thus far with dominant showings against every team they’ve played.

But don’t sleep on Boston College. The Eagles were lackluster during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, but they’ve sprinted out of the gates with a 3-0 record featuring ranked wins over USC and UMass.

This is a matchup of Tewaaraton-worthy stars on both sides. Jamie Ortega and Katie Hoeg have compiled 26 and 24 points, respectively, while Charlotte North has scored 14 goals. UNC’s Taylor Moreno and Emma Trenchard could be on the Tewaaraton radar, too.

For talent alone, this game is worth every women’s lacrosse fan’s time.

Game No One’s Talking About
No. 7 Stony Brook at No. 14 Towson

Maybe no one’s talking about it because Stony Brook is coming off a big loss to Syracuse, and maybe even because there are some who still aren’t sold on Towson. Stony Brook does have the track record, though, and Towson appears to be moving in the right direction.

One year ago this weekend, Stony Brook topped Towson 13-8 behind a combined seven goals from Ally Kennedy and Taryn Ohlmiller. Towson now boasts an offense featuring Nikki Sliwak, though, meaning the Tigers have more firepower than years past.

UPSET WATCH
No. 2 Syracuse at No. 8 Duke

Sure, Syracuse looked just fine without Emily Hawryschuk against Stony Brook, as a few other offensive players took on larger roles (more on that later). They were able to exploit the Seawolves defense, and Asa Goldstock stood on her head in cage.

But it’s obvious that Syracuse is better with Hawryschuk on the field. Her ACL tear opens the door for others to contribute, but it perhaps makes the Orange easier to plan against defensively.

Duke’s defense is improved, its draw team is stellar and its offense can light up the scoreboard. This makes for an intriguing matchup.

Under-the-Radar Stars

Sam Swart and Sierra Cockerille, Syracuse

Swart has scored four goals on four shots in both games this season. Cockerille was one of the chief beneficiaries of Hawryschuk’s absence, as she also scored four times against Stony Brook. These two midfielders are in for expanded roles — and increased attention from defenses.

Nikki Sliwak, Towson

Sliwak scored seven goals in 18 games over four years for Maryland, where she primarily served as a reserve midfielder. Since transferring to Towson and finding a regular role, she’s blossomed. The once highly touted recruit out of Wantagh (N.Y.) has eight goals and six assists during Towson’s 4-0 start.

Karson Harris, Drexel

An under-the-radar star on an under-the-radar team. Harris, a senior midfielder, has 20 goals through four games, helping Drexel earn consideration in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Women’s Top 20. Drexel takes on Villanova Sunday afternoon.