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The Best Scorers and Top Ranked Teams in College Lacrosse This Year

Top Goal Scorers Light Up the Scoreboard in Division 1 Lacrosse

The top goal scorers in NCAA Division 1 lacrosse this season have put on quite a show for fans. Players like Grant Ament of Penn State and Pat Kavanagh of Notre Dame have relentlessly fired shots into the back of the net game after game. These offensive stars demonstrate the incredible stick skills, field vision, quickness, and shooting accuracy needed to rank among the elite scorers in college lacrosse.

Grant Ament, a senior attackman for Penn State, has been simply unstoppable this year. He currently leads Division 1 with an astounding 89 total goals, averaging over 4 goals per game. His lightning-quick release and pinpoint shooting precision make him a nightmare to defend. AmentUses a variety of dodges and cuts to get open for scoring chances. He has a knack for finishing tough shots on the run or with a defender draped all over him. Ament’s scoring punch has helped propel Penn State to a top 5 ranking.

Meanwhile, Pat Kavanagh has been filling up the net for Notre Dame. The junior attackman has racked up 79 goals already, good for second best in D1 lacrosse. Kavanagh excels at using his size and strength to overpower defenders on his way to the goal. His powerful overhand shot beats goalies high consistently. Kavanagh is also adept at scoring on the crease after executing crisp cuts and rolls off ball. His scoring ability makes him the centerpiece of Notre Dame’s offense.

The eye-popping goal totals of Ament, Kavanagh and other top scorers illustrates what it takes to rank among the most prolific scorers in NCAA D1 lacrosse. Superior stick skills, quickness, field awareness, shooting accuracy, and scoring instincts separate the very best. These offensive stars have a penchant for coming through in the clutch and can single-handedly take over a game. Their ability to find the back of the net again and again makes them invaluable to their respective teams. The top goal scorers in Division 1 lacrosse continue to thrill fans and keep defenders on their heels with their uncanny scoring touch game after game this season.

Division 3 Lacrosse Teams With Dominant Offenses

Several Division 3 lacrosse teams have stood out this season for their dominant offensive play and eye-popping goal scoring numbers. Top D3 teams like RIT, Tufts, Salisbury, and more have overwhelmed opponents with a relentless barrage of shots on goal game after game. These high-octane offenses feature a deep arsenal of talented scorers at attack and midfield who can beat defenders one-on-one and finish tough shots in tight quarters. Their ability to quickly move the ball in transition and find the open man for a quick shot on cage has allowed them to light up the scoreboard.

The RIT men’s lacrosse team has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging over 18 goals per game this season. Their starting attack unit of Dan Craig, Ryan Barnable, and Andrew Ancona have terrorized opposing defenses with speed, quick stick work, and accurate outside shooting. Barnable leads the team in total goals with 44 so far. RIT uses a fast-paced, up-tempo style focused on pushing transition and finding early offense before defenses can get set. Once in their half-court offense, they utilize excellent off-ball movement, picking and screens to generate clean looks on cage. RIT’s deep stable of midfielders like Connor Haims, Brett Craig, and others also get involved on the scoring end. Their ability to threaten from all areas of the field makes RIT a nightmare matchup.

On the women’s side, perennial powerhouse Tufts University has dominated opponents with the country’s top scoring offense. Their precise ball movement, spacing, and unselfish play allows them to consistently find and exploit gaps in the defense. Emily Games and Margaret Chase lead the team in goals and have developed an uncanny chemistry playing together. Games is a pure finisher who is at her best shooting on the run off quick feeds and cuts. Chase does damage both as a dodger off the wing and as a distributor setting up teammates. Tufts’ formidable midfield unit provides yet another dimension to their multifaceted offense. Their balance, depth, and field vision make Tufts almost impossible to shut down for a full 60 minutes. Other top D3 teams like Salisbury, Gettysburg College, and more have rode high-scoring offenses to national title contention this season.

The prolific goal scoring and unselfish offensive play demonstrated by these D3 lacrosse powerhouses illustrates what it takes to field a truly dominant offense at the college level. Developing multiple scoring threats and having the vision to find the open man is critical. The ability to push and capitalize in transition also generates more high-percentage shots. RIT, Tufts and other top D3 programs have mastered these facets of offense to separate themselves from the pack and light up scoreboards across the country.

What It Takes to Rank in Division 1 Lacrosse

Competing in NCAA Division 1 lacrosse and finishing the season ranked in the top 20 requires excellence across all facets of the game. From recruiting elite talent to strong coaching and leadership, many factors contribute to a top D1 lacrosse program. The very best teams excel in key areas like scoring offense, defensive schemes, possession play, and more to separate themselves from the pack.

Fielding a balanced and prolific scoring offense is essential for any top-ranked D1 lacrosse team. The teams that can consistently find the back of the net from both their starting attack and deep midfield units tend to fare the best over the course of a season. Developing chemistry through reps and offensive cohesion to move the ball quickly in unsettled situations translates to more high-percentage shots. Goal scoring versatility is also important. The top offenses can beat you with both power dodges from X as well as quick ball movement and off-ball cuts. Having multifaceted scoring threats at attack like Grant Ament of Penn State makes a huge difference.

Dominant defensive play and depth at long stick midfield is also a hallmark of the premier D1 lacrosse teams. The best defenses employ multiple schemes like zone, lockdown man, and hybrid approaches to keep opponents guessing. They also excel at communication, on-ball pressure, and matching feet to force low percentage shots. Clearing efficiency both from the defensive end out of the box and at the face-off X translates to more transition scoring chances too. Physical defenders who can neutralize top offensive weapons are highly valued recruits. Teams like Georgetown and Maryland thrive on tough defense.

Finally, mastering the possession game through face-offs, wing play, and clearing is critical for ranked success. Winning face-offs and earning extra possessions makes achieving separation on the scoreboard much easier over 60 minutes. Having versatile fogos who can scrap out 50/50 balls, fast wings to scoop ground balls, and consistent clearing helps top teams impose their will. Possession margins borne out of winning face-offs, minimizing turnovers, and drawing penalties separate the contenders from pretenders. Perennial powers like Yale lean heavily on possession dominance and fundamentals.

The D1 lacrosse landscape is filled with talented teams, but only the most well-rounded and fundamentally sound programs reach the top of the rankings. Developing multifaceted scoring punch, staunch defense, and maximizing possessions are hallmarks of the very best. Committing to excellence across all these facets of the game helps explain the year-to-year success of perennial top 10 programs like Penn State, Maryland, Cornell and others.

Review of Preseason Favorites and Final Rankings

The preseason Division 1 lacrosse polls provide an early glimpse into which teams are expected to be ranked in the top 20 by season’s end. While the final national rankings rarely match the preseason prognostications exactly, they offer insight into which programs have the depth and talent to compete for a national championship. Reviewing the preseason favorites against the final polls shows which powerhouses lived up to expectations and which teams surprised.

In the preseason Nike/US Lacrosse Division 1 men’s poll, perennial stalwarts like defending champion Maryland, Cornell, Yale, and Virginia sat atop the poll. These programs attract elite talent year in and year out and have the depth to sustain injuries or roster turnover. As expected, many of these teams went on to stellar seasons and finished ranked highly. Maryland locked down the #1 ranking from start to finish while Cornell, Yale, and Virginia all secured top-10 spots. Penn State was the biggest riser, going from unranked in the preseason to #5 in the final media poll after a breakout season.

On the women’s side, North Carolina, Northwestern, and Syracuse headlined the Inside Lacrosse preseason poll but faced stiff competition from the likes of Boston College, Notre Dame, and other challengers. As the season played out, Northwestern cemented itself as the class of Division 1 women’s lacrosse, dominating from wire-to-wire. The Wildcats went a perfect 23-0 and won their third straight national championship. While North Carolina and Syracuse both finished top 5, Boston College vaulted up to #3 after an unexpectedly strong season under first-year coach Acacia Walker. The final polls reflected depth and parity at the top.

Reviewing the preseason and final Division 1 lacrosse rankings offers insights into the programs that thrive on an annual basis. The perennial powers have the coaching, talent pipelines, and culture to sustain excellence. But each season also brings pleasant surprises like Penn State and Boston College that force their way into the championship discussion. The polls provide benchmarks for success and fuel motivation for teams striving to break into the top tier of Division 1 lacrosse.

Division 2 Lacrosse Teams to Watch

While Division 1 garners the most attention, there are plenty of highly competitive Division 2 men’s and women’s lacrosse teams making noise nationally each year. D2 features a deep pool of talent across several conferences like the ECC, SACC, G-MAC, and more. Though they lack some of the depth of top D1 programs, the best D2 squads offer an exciting brand of lacrosse with gritty defenses and potent offenses. Here are some of the Division 2 men’s and women’s teams that have stood out so far this season.

On the men’s side, defending national champion Le Moyne Dolphins have continued their dominance in 2023. Their high-octane offense led by attackmen Brett Barlow and Joe Canori has proven nearly impossible to contain. Le Moyne averages over 17 goals per game by capitalizing on their depth and athleticism at the offensive end. They push transition relentlessly and have multiple scoring threats from up top and on the wings. Their structured motion offense also generates clean looks through hard cuts, picks and off-ball movement. Le Moyne has depth between the pipes as well, giving them the balance needed to repeat.

For the women, Adelphi University has been the class of Division 2. The Panthers are once again undefeated against D2 opponents behind a staunch defense led by goalie Claudia Seibert and lockdown defender Bridget Ruskey. Seibert has been outstanding, posting a goals against average under 7 while stopping over 50% of shots on goal. Ruskey and the rest of the defense make smart slides, win ground balls and play fundamentally sound. On attack, Jessica Spadafora is a dynamic dodger who can break down defenders one-on-one. Adelphi’s depth and discipline has them poised for another D2 title.

Other D2 lacrosse teams turning heads include the Mercyhurst Lakers, LIU Post Pioneers, Queens Royals, and more. The talent level across Division 2 lacrosse continues to rise. These teams feature fundamentally sound defenses, creative dodgers from X, and excellent coaching. While they may fly under the radar next to Division 1, the competitiveness and level of play demonstrated by D2 lacrosse teams like Le Moyne and Adelphi is top-notch. The future of D2 lacrosse remains bright.

Leading Goal Scorers in Division 2 Lacrosse

The top goal scorers in NCAA Division 2 lacrosse consistently demonstrate the outstanding shooting accuracy, offensive IQ, and grit needed to find the back of the net against stout defenses. These talented attackmen and midfielders have a knack for beating their defenders, getting open without the ball, and finishing tough shots in traffic. Here are some of the prolific scorers lighting up scoreboards across Division 2 lacrosse this season.

Leading the way in Division 2 men’s lacrosse is Brett Barlow of defending champion Le Moyne. The senior attackman is simply a goal scoring machine, already tallying over 40 goals just halfway through the season. He uses his size and strength to overpower defenders while also showing touch and finesse around the crease. Barlow is excellent at relocating off ball to get open for quick time and room shots after feeds from up top. He excels at changing speed and direction to lose his defender before unleashing his accurate sidearm shot.

On the women’s side, Lindsey Hoffman of Queens University has been filling up the net all season long. The sophomore attacker has notched 47 goals already through creative dodging from behind and uncanny finishing ability in tight spaces. Her change of pace and array of fakes allow her to regularly beat her defender one-on-one from X. Hoffman also shows advanced field awareness and vision by moving well without the ball to get open for her teammates. Her shooting prowess and savvy at such a young age set her apart.

Other top D2 goal scorers like Zach Pierce of Dowling, Dylan Rice of LIU Post, Reilly Casey of Adelphi and more have terrorized defenses. Excellent stick skills, spatial awareness, dodging moves, off-ball movement and shooting touch all combine to make these scorers so prolific. The leading goal scorers in Division 2 lacrosse continue to impress fans and teammates alike with their nose for the net and tenacious scoring drive.

Division 3 Lacrosse Powerhouse Programs

While Division 1 teams draw the headlines, Division 3 lacrosse features plenty of perennial powerhouses in its own right. These D3 programs consistently rank among the top teams nationally and compete for conference and national titles. Through strong coaching, recruiting, and fundamentals, certain D3 schools have emerged as the cream of the crop. Here are some of the men’s and women’s Division 3 lacrosse programs that have dominated the D3 landscape.

On the men’s side, Tufts University has been the class of Division 3 for over a decade. The Jumbos have won 4 national championships since 2010 under legendary coach Mike Daly. Tufts reloads with skilled talent every year and plays a fast-paced, high octane style. They push transition at every opportunity and use excellent off-ball movement to generate open looks on settled offense. Dominant play at the faceoff X and rock-solid defense anchored by top goalie Mason Pollack bolster Tufts’ resume as an absolute D3 powerhouse.

For the women, Gettysburg College has been a D3 women’s lacrosse dynasty. The Bullets have amassed 7 national titles, including 4 since 2011 alone under head coach Carol Cantele. Gettysburg wins with depth, discipline, and fundamentals execution on both ends. Twin sisters Andie and Annie Ernst lead their prolific offense with quick-strike goals in transition. Lockdown defenders like Genna Keiter, outstanding draw control specialists, and steady goalie play give them balance. Gettysburg annually contends for national hardware.

Other dominant D3 programs include RIT, Salisbury, Middlebury, Cortland, Stevenson, York College and more. These schools invest heavily in lacrosse and recruit elite talent year after year. Developing team chemistry, capitalizing on athleticism, and teaching strong fundamentals are hallmarks of successful D3 powers. The level of competition and parity at the top of Division 3 lacrosse continues to grow. But a select group of programs have separated themselves from the pack via sustained excellence.

Ranking the Top Division 3 Men’s Lacrosse Teams

The NCAA Division 3 men’s lacrosse landscape features exciting competition and parity at the top. With no athletic scholarships and smaller budgets than Division 1, elite D3 teams must maximize player development, recruiting, and coaching to thrive. Here is a snapshot of the top ranked D3 men’s lacrosse teams so far this spring season based on the latest USILA national poll.

Leading the way is perennial powerhouse RIT at #1 in the country. The Tigers are undefeated against D3 competition behind a high-flying offense averaging 18 goals per game. Attackmen Dan Craig and Andrew Ancona pace RIT’s scoring punch. Tufts University checks in at #2, relying on balance and depth across the field. They push transition relentlessly and have allowed under 7 goals against per game. After bowing out early in the 2022 D3 tournament, #3 Salisbury looks poised to make another title run this spring.

Other top ranked D3 men’s lacrosse teams include Christopher Newport, Cabrini, Gettysburg College, Susquehanna University, Cortland and Western New England in the top 10. These squads feature potent offenses led by talented scorers at attack. They also rely on fundamentally sound defenses anchored by top-tier goalies like Salisbury’s Griffin Moroney. Face-off dominance and depth at LSM give them possession margins as well.

The latest D3 polls indicate another competitive national tournament on tap this spring. While RIT and Tufts have separated themselves slightly, the rest of the top 10 remains closely bunched with the depth to make title runs. Teams like York College, Bowdoin, Stevenson, and others loom outside the top 10 but possess the talent to make playoff noise. With exciting offenses and gritty defenses, the stage is set for must-see D3 men’s lacrosse action across the country.

Ranking the Top Division 3 Women’s Lacrosse Teams

The competitive landscape in Division 3 women’s lacrosse features several perennial powers and emerging contenders vying for national supremacy. The latest IWLCA national polls highlight the top D3 programs so far this spring season based on key factors like scoring offense, defensive efficiency, quality wins, and more.

At the top is defending national champion Middlebury College at 8-0 on the year so far. The Panthers boast a balanced offense led by Grace Jennings and Emma McDonagh. They share the ball extremely well and cash in on their transition chances at a high rate. Middlebury also allows under 7 goals per game on defense. Not far behind at #2 is Salisbury University at 10-0 behind leading scorer Lydia McNulty. The Sea Gulls dominate possessions and time of possession with excellent draw control.

Rounding out the top 5 are Gettysburg College, Tufts, and Washington & Lee. Gettysburg features the dynamic Ernst twins Andie and Annie as their offensive catalysts. Tufts relies on depth and fundamentals execution, while Washington & Lee has several double-digit scorers like Eleni Demakos fueling their attack. Other ranked D3 women’s teams include Cortland, Franklin & Marshall, York College, and more.

The latest polls and results show another competitive year ahead in the D3 women’s lacrosse postseason. Middlebury and Salisbury appear to be the teams to beat, but challengers like Gettysburg, Tufts, and Washington & Lee have the scoring punch to compete. With exciting talent across the board, the Division 3 NCAA tournament promises to deliver dramatic upsets and great lacrosse this spring.

Lacrosse Players Who Excelled This Season

The college lacrosse landscape is filled with talented student-athletes who have turned heads with their skills, production, and leadership this season. While team success depends heavily on collective play, certain individual performers have stood out from the pack across NCAA Divisions 1, 2, and 3 lacrosse in 2023.

Grant Ament of Penn State has been virtually unstoppable this spring as the nation’s leading scorer in Division 1 men’s lacrosse. The senior attackman makes incredibly difficult shots look routine and has carried Penn State into title contention. His field vision, quick release, and accuracy make him a dominant force. On the women’s side, Northwestern’s Izzy Scane continues her reign as the top midfielder and draw specialist in D1. Scane impacts every facet of the game.

In Division 2, Le Moyne attacker Brett Barlow has terrorized defenses with his size, power dodging from X, and highlight-reel shooting ability. He’s been the catalyst behind Le Moyne’s undefeated season so far. For D2 women, Adelphi’s Claudia Seibert has been standing on her head in goal. Her quick reflexes, technique, and bravery have powered one of D2’s top defenses in points allowed.

Tufts’ attackman Mason Pollack has been virtually unbeatable in goal for the #2 ranked D3 men’s team, stoning shooters even at point blank range. His fundamentals and positioning are next level. D3 women’s lacrosse features Gettysburg attacker Andie Ernst, who combines crafty dodging, pinpoint passing, and a rocket shot to fuel one of the nation’s top offenses.

The list goes on of remarkable individual performers who have left their mark on the 2023 college lacrosse season. Their athleticism, skills, instincts, and dedication to excel set them apart. These standout players provide inspiration to keep elevating one’s game and make college lacrosse an incredible product for fans to enjoy.

Coach of the Year Candidates in NCAA Lacrosse

Excellent coaching is critical for team success in college lacrosse. The national Coach of the Year awards recognize the Division 1, 2, and 3 coaches who have inspired, developed, and led their programs to standout seasons. Here are some of the leading Coach of the Year candidates based on their team’s play so far this spring.

In Division 1 men’s lacrosse, Penn State coach Jeff Tambroni has directed the Nittany Lions to a top 5 national ranking behind the nation’s most explosive offense. His development of Tewaaraton frontrunner Grant Ament and a stacked supporting cast make him a prime candidate. For Division 1 women, Boston College’s Acacia Walker merits consideration for leading her squad to a top 5 ranking in just her first season at the helm after departing from Northwestern.

Le Moyne Dolphins coach Dan Sheehan has guided his D2 men’s program to another unbeaten regular season and #1 ranking. The Dolphins play fast, skilled lacrosse under his up-tempo offensive system and midfield pressure defense. On the D2 women’s side, Adelphi coach Joe Spallina built another championship caliber unit through motivation, discipline, and player development.

In Division 3, RIT Tigers coach Jake Coon has orchestrated the nation’s most prolific scoring offense while keeping his team undefeated. Developing standouts like Dan Craig and Andrew Ancona make him a top coach candidate. For D3 women, Middlebury coach Kate Livesay led her squad to a perfect regular season and #1 ranking behind balanced play and fundamentals execution.

These coaches and more have orchestrated tremendous seasons thus far. Their leadership, game planning, motivation and teaching have put their teams in prime position for deep postseason runs. The national Coach of the Year awards will honor their efforts in propelling college lacrosse programs to new heights.

Predictions for Next Season Based on Standings

As the 2023 college lacrosse season winds down, the final conference standings and late season trends provide insights into which teams are poised for big things next year. Certain programs have overcome roster losses or injuries to exceed expectations this spring. Their strong play down the stretch indicates bright futures heading into 2024.

In Division 1 men’s lacrosse, Penn State looks primed to ascend to serious championship contender status despite losing Tewaaraton finalist Grant Ament to graduation. The Nittany Lions have showcased impressive depth behind breakout talents like sophomore attackman Jack Kelly. Playing in a tough Big 10 conference has seasoned their youth. Penn State’s upward trajectory should continue next spring. Out east, Vermont has jelled over the latter half of the year. Returning their core while competing in the America East bodes well for 2024.

On the women’s side, Stanford has shown steady improvement throughout 2023 after being ravaged by injuries last season. Their freshman and sophomores have gained invaluable experience in the back half of their schedule. With superstar defender Lexi Irwin returning from a torn ACL next year, Stanford seems poised to rejoin the elite ranks in 2024. Boston College is another team on the rise despite losing head coach Acacia Walker to Northwestern. The Eagles have bought into new coach Jen Kent’s philosophy.

Other programs like LIU Post in D2 men’s lacrosse and York College for D3 women have exceeded expectations despite being overlooked in preseason polls. Their strong play down the stretch proves these teams are building something special. Their upside makes them teams to watch heading into next spring.

Lacrosse Players Who Excelled This Season

Coach of the Year Candidates in NCAA Lacrosse

The Future is Bright for NCAA Lacrosse

As the 2023 college lacrosse season wraps up, the state of NCAA lacrosse across Divisions 1, 2, and 3 is strong and positioned for even greater growth and popularity moving forward. From thriving youth participation levels to increased media coverage, college lacrosse’s footprint continues to expand.

Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing youth sports in America. Hotbeds like Maryland, New York, New Jersey and beyond are producing talented young players at an impressive clip. This will ensure the continued pipeline of elite talent at the college level. ESPNU televised over 100 NCAA lacrosse games this spring, showcasing the sport to wider audiences. Professional leagues like the Premier Lacrosse League and Athletes Unlimited continue to drive interest in the sport as well.

The on-field product and parity in college lacrosse improves each year. National powers like Maryland, Northwestern and Salisbury face stiffer competition from rising upstarts. Defensive skills and athleticism amongst players continues to reach new heights. Rule changes opening up the game also lend excitement. Viral highlights of incredible goals and End to End action further capture interest.

With excellent coaching, skills development, and devoted fan bases across Divisions 1, 2 and 3 programs, the arrow continues to point up for NCAA lacrosse. From youth levels through the college game, the sport’s footprint and popularity is surging. The future remains bright for college lacrosse to keep attracting elite talent and capturing the imagination of sports fans across the country.