From “Lacrosse All-Stars” – QUINT KESSENICH’S TOP 20: MARCH 14, 2022

16: Harvard (3-1)

Harvard defeated Michigan 14-9 to stamp themselves as Top 20 ready. One lone loss to Ohio State is not looking so bad after all. Austin Hadronic, freshman Sam King, freshman Miles Botkiss, Nick Loring, and freshman Owen Gaffney are the primary offensive contributors. Coach Gerry Byrne is building a winner in Cambridge.

14: Boston U (5-0)

BU has wins over Merrimack, Bryant, UMass, Colgate, and Bucknell. They defeated the Bison 12-7 behind a 17-7 face-off advantage and 12 saves from Matt Garber. BU is a Top 5 scoring defense, force a ton of turnovers, and are strong in the ground ball department. Defenders Will Carson, Patrick Morrison, and Dane DeGoler have held tight. FOGO Connor Calderone is a battler. 

10: North Carolina (5-2)

Last week’s ACC Network Thursday Night Thriller featured a frenetic initial pace. The action was intense, hard hitting, fast-paced, and highly skilled. The Heels clearly showed improvement as they hosted Virginia, running hip-to-hip with the Cavs with the first 30 minutes, up 10-9. The second half was all Virginia. UNC was limited to just one goal for a 15-11 UVA victory. It was two unique 30 minute games.

Goalie Colin Krieg did his part turning away 18 shots. Midfielder Cole Herbert was active in the first half and had three points. Chris Gray finished with four points. Midfield production was barren after halftime. Shorty Connor Maher and LSM Matt Wright were both exceptional.

Spring break is an opportunity for UNC to develop their No.1 rated freshman class, to get some healthy bodies back on defense (Evan Egan), and to tweak some schemes with the hope of producing more midfield punch.