North semifinal preview - Merrimack/Le Moyne

[RedFromMI]

#1 seed Le Moyne Dolphins (16-2) vs. #6 seed Merrimack Warriors (15-3), noon Saturday @ Le Moyne

The Phins got here via a relatively easy victory over #4 seed Mercy (14-4 score, 9-2 at half). Half the goals for Le Moyne came at the hands of three players (Sypek - 2, Hutchings -3, Entenmann -2), and the rest were spread out nicely. Not so easy for the Warriors - tied at the half with #2 seed Adelphi, the Warriors were able to outscore the Panthers by one in each of the last two quarters to win by a pair (14-12).

Le Moyne split the pair of games played against Merrimack - losing 12-11 in the regular season after blowing a big lead and the Warriors outscored the Dolphins 7-1 over the last 8:02 to come from way behind. The rematch in the NE10 semifinals did not have such a _large_ comeback, but Le Moyne scored twice in the last 26 seconds to take this one from the Warriors by an identical 12-11 score...The keeper for the Dolphins had a career high 18 saves in the win...

This one will be a lot like the previous two games these two played against each other - and I expect it to be a small margin for victory. Given how they have already played each other, it is hard to say which one will come out on top - the team who is mad about being the 6th seed in their last season in DII, or the team that wants to spoil the last season in DII... And of course a trip to Philly awaits the winner.

[JimBeam]

This is a helluva game at the half.

[RedFromMI]

Good into the fourth as well - Mack now with a 2 goal lead, and the Phins giving it up with penalties...

[RedFromMI]

Tied (13) with a Phin TO, 1:20 left in regulation - not much difference between game and shot clock...

[RedFromMI]

Le Moyne scores with 25.8 seconds left to go up, Mack has possession and a TO with about 16 seconds left

[RedFromMI]

Mack scores the equalizer with about 3 seconds left - Phins left the back door open...

Going to OT

[JimBeam]

[RedFromMI]

And Mack wins, 15-14 on first shot of OT

Bertrand with 5 goals and Thomas 4 including the OT winner. Both with 6 points and Black with a five assist game. Will meet Limestone/Indianapolis winner (game noon tomorrow) for the Championship - and are able to actually defend in their last DII year...

[Warrior123]

Red will Mack be favored next week regardless of opponent?

[RedFromMI]

I would think so - Mack is built for the transition to DI, and are on a roll...

If they face Indy, you have a team that has never been there, and Mack has (now three years in a row), with one loss and one win. So I would think this one would be an obvious favorite situation for the Warriors. If it is the Saints, it is a lot closer. My KRACH ratings are more focused on what you have earned, not how powerful a team you are. Something like masseyratings is better than that, and today's numbers (not including the game today) have Le Moyne at #1, Saints at #2, Mack at #3, and Indy at #5 (behind Adelphi).

You have Mack wanting a bit (or more) of payback from being upset two years ago, and Stone on a mission to wipe out last year's season... Still think Mack is the favorite here...

[Warrior123]

Are there highlights of the game or a replay? Can only find last shot.

[JimBeam]

Are there highlights of the game or a replay? Can only find last shot.

https://www.ncaa.com/video/lacrosse-men ... inal-recap

https://www.ncaa.com/video/lacrosse-men ... ull-replay