The D1 lacrosse season is heating up, and we’ve got some massive matchups on deck this weekend. At this point in the year, teams are starting to settle in, but every game still plays a huge role in shaping the season. Some squads are looking to prove they’re legit contenders, while others are trying to avoid early-season struggles. Either way, expect some fireworks. Let’s dive into the biggest games of the weekend and see who’s got the edge.
Cornell vs. Denver
The Denver Pioneers traveling all the way to Ithaca, New York, is certainly an early-season matchup we are not used to seeing. I would say this matchup is more important for the Pioneers, considering their somewhat rocky start to the season. Dropping their season opener to highly ranked Johns Hopkins was followed up by a nice win against Air Force, only for their Week 3 matchup to conclude with a close game against the Utah Utes. Utah could be legit this year, but I think Denver fans are expecting more out of their team, especially considering the success they had last year under Coach Brown. Cornell’s season has just begun, and they looked fairly dominant against Lehigh the other week.
Winner: Cornell
Delaware vs. Penn
A rare CAA vs. Ivy League matchup where I could very easily see the Ivy League not coming through. Delaware kicked off their year with a ranked win against Utah and an impressive win against Saint John’s. Penn is in an interesting spot, featuring a two-goal loss to Georgetown followed up by a solid six-goal win against Albany. The first few weeks of the season normally lead to the most growth for teams, as after a couple of games, you can start to see where adjustments need to be made. This is going to be a big game to see exactly where Delaware and Penn sit on the D1 lacrosse map this season, but for some reason, the Hens are calling my name, especially being at home.
Winner: Delaware
Georgetown vs. Notre Dame
This is a matchup I can always get behind. It seems like every time these teams play, you’re in for a coaching masterclass. The Hoyas took down the Fighting Irish last year in overtime during the regular season but came up short when it came to the NCAA Tournament. These teams have a history of consistently playing each other early in the regular season, but this game is going to tell us more about Notre Dame than it is Georgetown. This is the Fighting Irish’s first real test of the season following dominant wins against Cleveland State and Marquette. Many people are saying that Notre Dame doesn’t have a chance to repeat, but they have the opportunity to come out with a quality win to showcase that they are still here.
Winner: Notre Dame
Johns Hopkins vs. UNC
This is probably the game I’m most excited for this weekend. For starters, the uniform matchups are going to be incredible in this one, with both teams potentially being some of the best-dressed in Division One college lacrosse. The Blue Jays are 4-0 right now and feeling pretty good, as they have yet to have an early-season stumble. North Carolina has been in limbo for quite some time now, but it really seems like this year may be the breakthrough season thanks to many star players on the roster. I think this is the game that’s going to put the Tar Heels back on the Division 1 lacrosse map. Many people have doubted this team for quite some time, but as the weeks go on, people will start to realize this team is legit—starting with a road win vs. Johns Hopkins.
Winner: North Carolina
Princeton vs. Maryland
This game seemingly always brings fireworks whenever these two opponents play. It takes place at a very interesting spot in the season, with Princeton having high expectations coming off last season and Maryland showing that they are a legit contender yet again this year. More stress is definitely on Princeton following an overtime victory against Penn State, where the team probably would have loved to win by more. However, those first few D1 lacrosse matchups of the year are the best time for teams to find their adjustments, and Maryland seemingly has already found theirs. I would give the advantage to Maryland despite being on the road, thanks to already having more games under their belt and a top-three win showcasing that this team is already operating like a well-oiled machine.
Winner: Maryland
