Preseason Top 10

[BigMoose9]

Figured I’d give a shot at the list now that there is a better sense of who is coming back/ new transfers coming in

1. Salisbury - Losing a few key players however still bring back a ton of talent including entire first midfield along with a few transfers who can make a big impact
2. CNU - Returns two player of the year at their position with Cook and Young plus the entire offense and will arguably have best FO/Goalie combo in the country
3. RIT - Loses a few main guys but will still have plenty of talent to compete for a national championship
4. Tufts - Entire starting attack is gone but you can expect the jumbos to still have the same explosive offense they always do
5. Dickinson - After a near final four appearance, the team now has gained deep playoff tourney experience but will need to prove they are still top dog in centennial
6. Middlebury
7. Bowdoin
8. Lynchburg
9. Washington and Lee
10. St. Lawrence

Just outside is Amherst, York, and Gettysburg. Thoughts?

[Laxattackjack]

Not sold on middlebury and Bowdoin after the past season playoffs

Salisbury might have improved from last year if the transfers pan out

Not sold on W&L either.

But in reality, I think this will be another season of 2-3 great teams, and another 10-15 very good teams that will have to play mistake free ball, to beat the top 2-3 top teams.

[BigMoose9]

Not sold on middlebury and Bowdoin after the past season playoffs

Salisbury might have improved from last year if the transfers pan out

Not sold on W&L either.

But in reality, I think this will be another season of 2-3 great teams, and another 10-15 very good teams that will have to play mistake free ball, to beat the top 2-3 top teams.

Agreed. It was fairly clear after the first month or so of season who would be in final four. I think this season will be very similar. Salisbury clearly the team to beat. Interested to see what some of the early out of conference games look like. Heard from a Tufts source that they will be hosting CNU in early March.

[Laxattackjack]

Not sold on middlebury and Bowdoin after the past season playoffs

Salisbury might have improved from last year if the transfers pan out

Not sold on W&L either.

But in reality, I think this will be another season of 2-3 great teams, and another 10-15 very good teams that will have to play mistake free ball, to beat the top 2-3 top teams.

Agreed. It was fairly clear after the first month or so of season who would be in final four. I think this season will be very similar. Salisbury clearly the team to beat. Interested to see what some of the early out of conference games look like. Heard from a Tufts source that they will be hosting CNU in early March.

Would love to see tufts make a long trip to play a top 5 team. See how they do with a long travel day.

[RE6ULATOR]

Figured I’d give a shot at the list now that there is a better sense of who is coming back/ new transfers coming in

1. Salisbury - Losing a few key players however still bring back a ton of talent including entire first midfield along with a few transfers who can make a big impact
2. CNU - Returns two player of the year at their position with Cook and Young plus the entire offense and will arguably have best FO/Goalie combo in the country
3. RIT - Loses a few main guys but will still have plenty of talent to compete for a national championship
4. Tufts - Entire starting attack is gone but you can expect the jumbos to still have the same explosive offense they always do
5. Dickinson - After a near final four appearance, the team now has gained deep playoff tourney experience but will need to prove they are still top dog in centennial
6. Middlebury
7. Bowdoin
8. Lynchburg
9. Washington and Lee
10. St. Lawrence

Just outside is Amherst, York, and Gettysburg. Thoughts?

As good a guess as any. Someone needed to dare to do it.
Salisbury obv gets the nod at 1. CNU, RIT, Tufts (IMO in no particular order) at 2-4. 5-15 there is some solid parity and most will wind up basing their own rankings off familiarity and or preferences.
Nice stab at it.

[Dehuntshigwa’es]

As good as any list could be this time of year. I have to admit I’m totally sick of this 5th year garbage. The last two years for freshman and sophomores had their careers and development shortened by the 5th years, who do they apply to in order to get their time back. CNU will be totally loaded and the team I thought would have won in 2022.. I’d be a big backer of them winning it in 2024

[InsiderRoll]

Hard to argue with this list or anybody’s subsequent comments.

I too am tired of the extra eligibility, but what can you do.

Last year I caught a tremendous amount of criticism for saying in April that Salisbury, Tufts, RIT, and CNU were the only 4 teams capable of winning a national championship in 2023. It’s a little too early to double down on that, but we’re already close to being able to say that.

Interesting teams to me:

Tufts - They lose a lot. But they always seem to reload. They should remain a top 5 team but have their work cut out for them in 2024.

Lynchburg - Almost every senior from 2023 is back from what I hear. Is the rumor of Kyle Lewis returning to Lynchburg for a 6th year true?

Union - hasn’t been mentioned yet. I think a hungry and healthy Dutchman squad returns to the top 10.

Bowdoin - Time to put your money where your mouth is. Plenty of talent, can they get anyone OOC. Didn’t have a single impressive win last year.

Gettysburg - Lost a lot of guys who’ve played there for quite some time. Toners first time having to reload the lineup, good coach in a new situation.

RPI - They need to find some consistency. But they return a lot. They have top level goal play and FO play. Think they are capable of a top 15 year and tourney bid.

W&L - Another team that returns a ton. They completely flipped their style of play last year and it worked. They had their best year in a long time. Can they build off that? 7 of their top 10 scorers return.

York - Just an interesting off season. They certainly still have some talent. But lost a lot of promising young guys to the portal, with their typical OOC schedule we will learn quickly what they are all about.

[RE6ULATOR]

…Last year I caught a tremendous amount of criticism for saying in April that Salisbury, Tufts, RIT, and CNU were the only 4 teams capable of winning a national championship in 2023. It’s a little too early to double down on that, but we’re already close to being able to say that…

[InsiderRoll]

…Last year I caught a tremendous amount of criticism for saying in April that Salisbury, Tufts, RIT, and CNU were the only 4 teams capable of winning a national championship in 2023. It’s a little too early to double down on that, but we’re already close to being able to say that…

[BigMoose9]

As good as any list could be this time of year. I have to admit I’m totally sick of this 5th year garbage. The last two years for freshman and sophomores had their careers and development shortened by the 5th years, who do they apply to in order to get their time back. CNU will be totally loaded and the team I thought would have won in 2022.. I’d be a big backer of them winning it in 2024

Agreed that the 5th year stuff is getting annoying, especially the whole 6th year thing I find ridiculous. However, the current 5th years did get their freshmen seasons cut short. Anything after this upcoming season is garbage.

[valaxfan]

As good as any list could be this time of year. I have to admit I’m totally sick of this 5th year garbage. The last two years for freshman and sophomores had their careers and development shortened by the 5th years, who do they apply to in order to get their time back. CNU will be totally loaded and the team I thought would have won in 2022.. I’d be a big backer of them winning it in 2024

Agreed that the 5th year stuff is getting annoying, especially the whole 6th year thing I find ridiculous.

I could not agree more on 6th year players. Those that got their 5th year, many did start the season and play games during COVID. And, being at a school, with graduate programs, helps them to continue their education and play that fifth year at that school, but 6 is just ridiculous. I believe W&L has one player in a 5th year status, Will Bou.

valaxfan

[JustOneTime]

I have talked to several guys that are using a 5th year this upcoming season. I don't blame them one bit. They have told me they would gladly trade their 5th year for having 4 totally normal college years. Their Freshman year was cut way short not only for lacrosse but was also not the academically when taking classes online. In addition to missing out on the fun social events. Then their sophomore year was spent wearing masks and having most of the campus shut down. I totally get it that the younger guys may have lost playing time because of this but at least they can say they had 4 normal college years.
I think the southern schools will lead the way again this year with Salisbury and CNU being the top two.

[smoova]

I totally get it that the younger guys may have lost playing time because of this but at least they can say they had 4 normal college years.

The "younger guys" lost 1-2 years of HS lacrosse and definitely did not have a normal HS experience ... and, as compensation, get to compete for playing time with 24-25 year-olds who can't wean themselves off the parental/college teat. But, "4 normal college years" ... makes it all square.

[NElaxtalent]

I totally get it that the younger guys may have lost playing time because of this but at least they can say they had 4 normal college years.

The "younger guys" lost 1-2 years of HS lacrosse and definitely did not have a normal HS experience ... and, as compensation, get to compete for playing time with 24-25 year-olds who can't wean themselves off the parental/college teat. But, "4 normal college years" ... makes it all square.

I've been saying that since 2020. The NC$$ ruling inflicted way more harm than the good it did.

Ex 2020 HS grads lost their Sr year development, then faced bloated rosters of 55-60 kids inc 24-25 y/o transferring everywhere to play 5th & 6th years leaving the 2020s as unproven Jrs often then being over-looked to focus on the younger guys with 3-4 yrs to develop.

[Tactful Lax]

As I once heard Bill Gates say during a commencement address, "Life is not fair, get over it."

[Laxguy703]

1.) Salisbury - the loss of Ferrera, Woodward, Ballard, and Timmons will hurt as they brought a lot of experience and toughness to this team. They do bring in a ton though so it will be hard to argue any one else at #1

2.) CNU - They return the most internally. Only lose 2 starters and return 8 All-Americans. Went 19-0 last year aside from Salisbury. Hearing Rumors of a big time transfer who would be an immediate starter.

3.) Tufts - Lose a ton but they still did beat the crap out of 99% of D3 last year. They always reload and return some really good players.

4.) RIT - Gaston will be a 1st Team AA next year. Lose some solid guys but they had tons of depth last year to fill in those spots.

5.) Middlebury - Didn’t end the way they wanted to last year, but they do return almost of their starters and will be hungry for more.

6.) Dickinson - Very talented team with a ton of depth. They lose some key players. Brandau will be extremely tough to replace.

7.) Lynchburg - They return everyone and it’s hard to count out Coach K. Home to one of the hardest places to play in D3.

8.) W&L - Continuing to bring in really good talent. Not sure they are ready to crack the top 5 just yet, but they have a great squad.

9.) Bowdoin - really weird year last year. Didn’t have any good wins and lost to some very good teams by a few. Will Byrne is an animal.

10.) Amherst - Coach Woods is great and they return some solid guys.

[ReturnOfTheWAC]

Here are the programs I'm keeping and eye on that could I think will be hovering around the top 10-20(this is not particular order of ranking)

1. York- To me this is the most interesting team. Why the mass exodus this summer? A program that prides itself on culture should not have this happening. The York faithful will disagree but my theory is York has become a lot more like Salisbury on how it handles roster make up then it wants to admit. They are constantly looking to upgrade. Look at their portal and juco acquisitions over the last few years along with their larger recruiting classes. They are going for it, nothing wrong with that but the "culture leads to our success" is a tough sell when your bringing in kids to fill your holes each year.

2. Tufts- Tufts is one of the few teams that has found away to keep even its bench players engaged in every game. Some don't like the celebrations up 20, As an 60 year, I probably do not love it but I give them credit for the buy in. The school itself is literally perfect for recruiting lacrosse players. A lot of people on this board love to knock them for not winning a championship with the talent they have but lets be real getting to the final 4 every year tells me the staff is doing something right in their recruiting, development, and coaching.

3. W&L- Ive seen W&L up close as my oldest son coached against them a few times. No team I thought (including Salisbury) was more talented than them in the South. Their talent though has not matched their performances and final record. Why is that? Last years finish was about the best I've seen in a good while, do they take a step in the right direction again, or do they slip back into classic W&L and find a way to blow it vs a lesser team.

4. Lynchburg- Speaking of the ODAC, not many teams have benefitted more from the COVID years then Lynchburg. This to me is the team that should be the poster child for culture. Not many teams are tougher and not afraid to play anyone, anywhere, anytime. I give them credit for playing Tufts, then turning around and playing in the Mustang Classic. I expect them to make a run at the final 4 this year.

5. Dickinson- Dickinson has quietly been king on the CC over the last few seasons going 19-2 over the last 2 seasons vs Centennial teams with 2 CC championships. Great recruiting, culture, and tactics has allowed them to continue to push this program to the top of the conference. Replacing the goalie and a few pieces on offense will be tough but I look at what returns and can only expect that Webster will have this team competitive at the end of the season

6. Salisbury- No secret I'm not the biggest Gulls fan but I have to respect Berkman and his staff for how much better his teams get thoughout the season. They struggled heavily on defense to start the season last year only to make a a few personnel changes and that carries them to a championship. The scary part is they actually might be better if the transfers coming in hit. Berkman really dosent get the credit he deserves when it comes to player development and not being afraid to give guys opportunities who were not game 1 starters

7. Gettysburg- Gettysburg was a top 4 team for the first month last year and then struggled down the stretch. Mass graduation has hit this team hard over the last 2 years so I expect a lot of new faces playing. We will know how good Toner is at recruiting and developing players because he's no longer playing with Hanks recruits. The question I hear from people connected to Gettysburg is why the dramatic performance swings game to game, quarter to quarter. 0-3 vs Swarthmore over the last 2 seasons has people scratching their heads.

8. Middlebury- A lot of talk of young talent last season. I liked what I saw but can they make it though the gauntlet of the NESCAC and take their success to the next level? Early season prediction, They win the conference next year.

[jumpman23]

Solid commentary and list. Lynchburg gonna make some noise and Bowdoin prob learned their lesson last year and has a ton of older guys which will give them a real shot at final 4.

1.) Salisbury - the loss of Ferrera, Woodward, Ballard, and Timmons will hurt as they brought a lot of experience and toughness to this team. They do bring in a ton though so it will be hard to argue any one else at #1

2.) CNU - They return the most internally. Only lose 2 starters and return 8 All-Americans. Went 19-0 last year aside from Salisbury. Hearing Rumors of a big time transfer who would be an immediate starter.

3.) Tufts - Lose a ton but they still did beat the crap out of 99% of D3 last year. They always reload and return some really good players.

4.) RIT - Gaston will be a 1st Team AA next year. Lose some solid guys but they had tons of depth last year to fill in those spots.

5.) Middlebury - Didn’t end the way they wanted to last year, but they do return almost of their starters and will be hungry for more.

6.) Dickinson - Very talented team with a ton of depth. They lose some key players. Brandau will be extremely tough to replace.

7.) Lynchburg - They return everyone and it’s hard to count out Coach K. Home to one of the hardest places to play in D3.

8.) W&L - Continuing to bring in really good talent. Not sure they are ready to crack the top 5 just yet, but they have a great squad.

9.) Bowdoin - really weird year last year. Didn’t have any good wins and lost to some very good teams by a few. Will Byrne is an animal.

10.) Amherst - Coach Woods is great and they return some solid guys.

[Laxattackjack]

As I once heard Bill Gates say during a commencement address, "Life is not fair, get over it."

Yes. Life is not fair. Then ncaa comes along and takes those high school kids (20,21, and 22’s) and shits on them.

We are right in the middle of this mess. Maybe early stages of the middle. The end results won’t be seen for another 2-3 years.

Here is my take on things. Ncaa makes a bad decision that gave college kids one extra year. then makes it worse, by allowing D3 a second “bonus year” at the same time the transfer portal goes live and really piled on to the mess. kids now try and transfer for a natty. This leads to a significantly lopsided D3 talent pool. The top teams were already strong, and now with 2 extra years and transfer portals, the top teams get that much stronger. Separating themselves from the rest of the pack. If I were a betting man, I would put a bunch of money on one of the top 4 teams (SU, Tufts, CNU, or RIT) winning it all. It is going to take some luck, injuries , or some crazy bounces, for one of the other teams to win a title these next 2-3 years.

On another note, what is going to happen when the bonus years expire? Some teams are going to end up losing a majority of key contributors, leaving them with a roster that lacks any experience. You have to wonder how teams like Salisbury and CNU will look in 2-3 years when they are fielding teams with very little returning starters. Will the transfer portal slow down when the 5th and 6th year options expire?

[MVPiccoli]

As I once heard Bill Gates say during a commencement address, "Life is not fair, get over it."

Yes. Life is not fair. Then ncaa comes along and takes those high school kids (20,21, and 22’s) and shits on them.

We are right in the middle of this mess. Maybe early stages of the middle. The end results won’t be seen for another 2-3 years.

Here is my take on things. Ncaa makes a bad decision that gave college kids one extra year. then makes it worse, by allowing D3 a second “bonus year” at the same time the transfer portal goes live and really piled on to the mess. kids now try and transfer for a natty. This leads to a significantly lopsided D3 talent pool. The top teams were already strong, and now with 2 extra years and transfer portals, the top teams get that much stronger. Separating themselves from the rest of the pack. If I were a betting man, I would put a bunch of money on one of the top 4 teams (SU, Tufts, CNU, or RIT) winning it all. It is going to take some luck, injuries , or some crazy bounces, for one of the other teams to win a title these next 2-3 years.

On another note, what is going to happen when the bonus years expire? Some teams are going to end up losing a majority of key contributors, leaving them with a roster that lacks any experience. You have to wonder how teams like Salisbury and CNU will look in 2-3 years when they are fielding teams with very little returning starters. Will the transfer portal slow down when the 5th and 6th year options expire?

The HC at CNU seems like a really good one, but yeah, I mean, he'll have to prove he can sustain it. Berkman? The guy was reloading for 20 years straight before COVID and the resulting eligibility/transfer portal hit. Status quo in Gull land. Would love to see Lynchburg break through and win one this year, or W&L or York. Doubt it though given the previously stated top heavy talent. Gulls and Tufts rematch seems pretty likely. CNU, like just about every other squad out there, struggles at Seagull Stadium in May.