1. Denver Outlaws
Is there really any question to who the top team in Major League Lacrosse is? If so, let’s just run down their achievements in 2013: Goalie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, and the first undefeated season in MLL history. With the offensive looking like it’s not going to slow up anytime soon and Jesse Schwartzman (2013 Goalie of the Year) holding down the net, it is going to be a tall task for Chesapeake, Hamilton, or Charlotte to take down Denver this weekend.
2. Chesapeake Bayhawks
The defending MLL champions should not be taken lightly this weekend and by winning their last five of six games to end the season proved that. Like Denver, Chesapeake has impact players both ends of the field led by Drew Westervelt who tallied 48 points on the season, which was a team high. Ben Rubeor helped Westervelt carry the load by scoring 30 goals and dishing out 11 assists for 41 total points. If Chesapeake wants to defend their title, Westervelt and Rubeor will need to be on their A-game.
3. Hamilton Nationals
After a tough season ending loss to Denver by six goals, Hamilton will be out to prove that game was a fluke as they look to move past Chesapeake on Saturday and into the Championship game Sunday. Hamilton will need to use the fast paced game that they are used to, led by Kevin Crowley who was tied for the league led in points with 55. The 2013 season was kind to the Nationals as they finished the season with the most wins in program history (9). Hamilton was also able to win five more games in 2013 than in 2012, a big turn-around.
4. Charlotte Hounds
The last team to sneak into the playoffs, Charlotte will face a tough Denver team, but have all the confidence in the world to knock off the top team. To realize this monumental goal, Charlotte will need production from their rookies who have found themselves thrust into the spotlight in 2013. Mike Sawyer, Jake Tripucka, and Matt White will be the rookies leading the charge offensively for the Hounds while Mason Poli will be a first year player to watch on defense.
