In a week that saw very few upsets in the Division II world, we did see a trio of ranked matchups that have shaken up the rankings as we head into another weekend. Teams like Mercyhurst and Mercy got their seasons started on the right note, making sure the top 10 stayed intact.
Indianapolis kept its strong start going Rockhurst, getting five goals from Wyatt Auyer en route to a 13-8 victory. Indy will have another Midwest battle against Lindenwood this week that will go a long way in figuring out just how good this team could be.
Lenoir-Rhyne also picked up a big win over Limestone on Saturday afternoon. The Bears outscored the Saints 10-3 over the final three quarters, and Myles Moffat, Toron Eccleston and Eric Dickinson each had four goals in the win.
Belmont Abbey got back on track with a victory over Queens (N.C.) on Friday, proving that early losses to Lenoir-Rhyne didn’t fester for long.
March 8, 2021 |
W/L |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tampa | 0-0 | 1 | 3/19 at Saint Leo |
| 2 | Le Moyne | 0-0 | 2 | TBD |
| 3 | Mercyhurst | 1-0 | 3 | 3/13 at Roberts Wesleyan |
| 4 | Lenoir-Rhyne | 3-0 | 4 | 3/10 at Anderson (S.C.) |
| 5 | Seton Hill | 2-0 | 5 | 3/9 vs. Davis & Elkins |
| 6 | Adelphi | 0-0 | 6 | 3/20 at Bentley |
| 7 | Mount Olive | 4-0 | 7 | 3/10 vs. No. 20 Colorado Mesa |
| 8 | Wingate | 4-0 | 8 | 3/10 at No. 17 Queen (N.C.) |
| 9 | Mercy | 1-0 | 9 | 3/13 at Georgian Court |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 2-0 | 10 | 3/13 at No. 14 Lindenwood |
| 11 | Belmont Abbey | 2-2 | 13 | 3/13 vs. Chowan |
| 12 | Maryville | 3-0 | 17 | 3/13 at No. 16 Rockhurst |
| 13 | Saint Anselm | 0-0 | 15 | 3/24 at Southern N.H. |
| 14 | Lindenwood | 3-1 | 18 | 3/13 vs. No. 10 Indianapolis |
| 15 | Florida Southern | 0-0 | 16 | 3/20 at Florida Tech |
| 16 | Rockhurst | 3-1 | 11 | 3/13 vs. No. 12 Maryville |
| 17 | Queens (N.C.) | 1-2 | 14 | 3/10 vs. No. 8 Wingate |
| 18 | Pace | 0-1 | 19 | 3/20 vs. Saint Rose |
| 19 | Limestone | 2-2 | 12 | 3/10 at Catawba |
| 20 | Colorado Mesa | 0-0 | 20 | 3/10 at No. 7 Mount Olive |
Also considered: Bentley, Catawba, Florida Tech, Lake Erie, Lynn, Rollins, Saint Leo
HOT
Belmont Abbey (+2)
Losses to Catawba and Lenoir-Rhyne in February were followed by victories over Montevallo and Queens (N.C.). After scoring 20 goals in the first two games, the Knights dropped 25 combined in the next two victories. Five different Belmont Abbey players have scored at least five goals this season — a sign that this team may have some offensive depth.
Lenoir-Rhyne (no change)
Although the Bears did not jump in the ranking, two straight wins over ranked opponents cannot be ignored. After getting past a tough Belmont Abbey team, Lenoir-Rhyne routed new South Atlantic Conference foe Limestone 16-7 thanks to a strong defensive effort. The Bears are 3-0 for the first time since 2018 and have won three out of four against Limestone.
NOT
Limestone (-7)
We’re not used to seeing Limestone struggle to score, but this is a different Saints team than in years past. Limestone totaled 10 goals combined in back-to-back losses to Wingate and Lenoir-Rhyne. It sits 22nd in Division II in scoring offense, and that’s with a 21-goal season-opening win over Mars Hill.
Rockhurst (-5)
The battle between the quartet of teams in the Midwest and West (Indy, Lindenwood, Maryville, Rockhurst) will be fascinating to follow this season. Rockhurst lost its first such matchup, being held to eight goals against Indianapolis. The combination of Alec Heflin (11 goals, three assists) and Sam Lindahl (six goals, eight assists) is promising.