The Division II men’s lacrosse season is here, and considering the heavy-hitters at the top of the Nike/US Lacrosse Division II Men’s Top 20, it's sure to be a fun ride to the end.
US Lacrosse Magazine’s Matt Hamilton breaks down each of the Top 20 teams here.
1. Limestone Saints
X-Factor: Christopher Parrott, FO, Sr.
Parrott (68 percent) and Dakota Kirsch-Downs (69 percent) carried the weight last year and return to lead the faceoff unit. Michael Logan (83 percent) and Andrew Torpe (83 percent) also both performed well in limited action in 2019. If the Saints win faceoffs at this high of a clip, watch out.
Player to Watch: Clark Walter, M, Sr.
US Lacrosse Magazine’s Preseason Player of the Year, Walter scored 53 goals last year. He elevates others like Larson Sundown and Tyler Papa, giving the Saints the most potent offense in Division II.
Enemy Lines: “They’re the team to beat, for sure. They’re loaded. They’ve got Papa and Sundown and Walter and a whole host of other guys.”
2. Adelphi Panthers
Adelphi did lose stars like goalie Brendan McDougal, attackman Ian Kirby, faceoff man Mark Andrejack and defenseman Jack Thomann. However, a total of four All-Americans (Nicolas Racalbuto, John Arcidiacano, Michael Osmundsen and Sean McGovern) return, as does Gordon Purdie Jr.
3. Le Moyne Dolphins
Le Moyne remains a D-II powerhouse. Dan Entenmann and Zac Prattson graduated, leaving big holes to fill on and off the field at Le Moyne. Coach Dan Sheehan has shown the ability to recruit and reload when necessary, and 2020 might not be any different. Matt Hutchings was a second-team All-American.
4. Mercyhurst Lakers
Of the teams that made a run at the NCAA title last season, Mercyhurst brings the most back. The Lakers’ top four scorers return in 2020, including All-American Devin Pipher (76 points). In addition, All-American defenseman Will Agate is back along with another defensive starter in Justin Sale.
5. Belmont Abbey Crusaders
All-American Liam Osborne graduated, taking his team-high 96 points with him. Also gone are stalwart defenseman Anthony Cesario and entire the defensive unit. However, Belmont Abbey brings back every other player that scored five or more points last season, including Noah Haas (65 points) and Collin Grippo.
6. Tampa Spartans
Andrew Kew, the heart and soul of the Tampa offense for four seasons, has graduated as the school’s second all-time leading scorer. However, the Spartans do bring back faceoff star Ross Dickerson, who ranked third in the nation in win percentage.
7. Seton Hills Griffins
Seton Hill returns its top five scorers and plenty of role players in the midfield. The biggest loss is All-American long-stick midfielder Brett Craig, who was a stalwart over the past few seasons. Otherwise, with the roster that’s returning, 2020 could be the year Seton Hill makes a jump.
8. Mount Olive Trojans
Mount Olive lost three of its final seven games. However, the Trojans return three All-Americans and three of their top five scorers. Brady Elbin was one of the top short-sticks in Division II. Defenseman Jacob Williams and goalie Andrew Avarello also were elite. All are back.
9. Queens (N.C.) Royals
Seven of the top eight scorers return a year after Queens advanced to the NCAA tournament. But star long-stick midfielder Griffin Stechmiller graduated along with two starters on the defensive line, so there’s some rebuilding to do on the back end.
10. Indianapolis Greyhounds
Leading scorer Parker Kump, but in steps another future star. Drew Biling dropped 57 points during his freshman year and is back to anchor the Indy offense. Multiple defensive starters are also back for a team that advanced to the final four in 2019.
11. Wingate Bulldogs
Wingate returns its leading scorer in Bobby Padden, but loses some offensive depth in Alex Llerandi and Conor Gronbach. However, goalie Alex Cordero and most of the defensive unit is back after allowing just 8.71 goals per game.
12. Mercy Mavericks
Mercy had a historic season, advancing to the NCAA tournament as a No. 4 seed in the North. There will be some attrition due to graduation, but much of the midfield remains mostly intact, as well as the top-ranked defense, which only loses Littleton.
13. Rockhurst Hawks
Rockhurst led the nation in scoring with 17.25 goals per game and brings back three of its top four scorers. Sam Lindahl returns after notching 84 points on 48 goals and 36 assists.
14. Pace Setters
Offensive leaders Daniel Keenan, Bradley Paterson and Connor Vercruysse graduated. Joseph Diggle (49 points) will jump into an important role. Also gone are two starting defensemen from a unit that allowed fewer than 10 goals per game.
15. Lindenwood Lions
Lindenwood loses a few contributions on an offense that ranked 38th in the nation last season. Goalie Connor Ciemiewicz returns, however, along with an entire defensive starting unit that allowed 9.73 goals per game last season.
16. Saint Leo Lions
Just one season removed from an NCAA championship game appearance, Saint Leo hopes to jump back into the conversation of the best in the South. Charlie Kurtenbach led the Lions in scoring and will not return, but the next four leading scorers will. Philip Buque could be among Division II’s top scorers in 2020.
17. Rollins Tars
A young Rollins team lost two starters on offense and one on defense, but returns a wealth of talent. Senior Ryan Dunn (63 points) is the No. 1 option.
18. Florida Southern Moccasins
Jeff Atlas (72 points) and Sean Nolan (68) led the Mocs in scoring as freshmen. Another year with that duo, plus faceoff man Kevin Horowitz (60.2 percent) makes for a potent offense. Defense will be a question mark.
19. Lenoir-Rhyne Bears
Eric Dickinson is one of the most talented players in the nation, and he’s got one more season to lead Lenoir-Rhyne. His counterpart, Joe Buduo, has graduated. A young defense and midfield will continue to grow, but will need to step up in 2020.
20. Colorado Mesa Mavericks
Colorado Mesa will have to fill more than a few holes due to graduation. Two defensive starters return — part of a unit that allowed 9.61 goals per game last season.