Lots of teams are kicking off their 2013 seasons this weekend. While some are already on their second or third games of the year. Here’s a look at what’s to come this Friday in NCAA Men’s Lacrosse competition:
Friday, February 8
D1:
High Point vs. Towson – High Point (0-1) put up a good fight against Delaware last Saturday, but came up short dropping the competition to the blue Hens 10-12. Towson will open their 2013 season against the Panthers. This is the first ever meeting between the two programs. Game time is set for 3 pm at High Point University.
Johns Hopkins vs. Siena – Both teams will begin their 2013 campaigns tonight. Johns Hopkins came up short in 2012, ending their season in a loss to rival Maryland in the NCAA Quarters 11-5. Siena made a statement last season, going undefeated in the MAAC (6-0) and making it to the MAAC championship game. Unfortunately, that’s where they stopped, losing to Canisius 10-9. Hopkins and Siena met in 2012, with Pietramala’s Blue Jay’s taking home the victory, 9-5. Since their meeting in 2009, the Jays hold the all time record over the Saints 4-0 and this will be the second time these two teams meet for a season opener. The Saint’s are looking to revenge that loss and will get their chance tonight at 5pm on Hopkins’ Homewood Field.
North Carolina vs. Air Force – North Carolina and Air Force haven’t met on the lacrosse field since 2006, where the Tar Heels won over the Facons 8-6. From 2003-2006, Air Force and North Carolina met every year and UNC won each time. Eric Seremet’s Falcons will look to get their first win against Joe Breschi’s Tar Heels tonight at 7pm on Fetzer Field in Kenan Memorial Stadium.
D2:
Florida Southern vs. Tampa – In only their second year in NCAA Men’s Lacrosse, the Tampa Spartans start their 2013 operation against the Mocassins of Florida Southern College. In last year’s meeting, the Spartans picked up their first ever win against the Mocs, 7-4. Tamp finished second (5-1) in Deep South Conference play, one spot above Florida Southern (5-2). Facing each other for the second time in a season opener, the Mocs will look to redeem themselves from last years outing against Tampa. Florida Southern will hold host to the 7pm match.
Shorter vs. Coker – This matchup is in it’ second year of existence as a season opener. Shorter is in its third year of program existence, where Coker has only been around since last season. The Cobras from Coker defeated the Hawks from Shorter in their 2012 opener, 14-7. Head Coach Tony Smith and his Cobras will try to go 2-0 over Nathan Young’s Hawks when they do battle on Ben Brady Field tonight at 5pm.
D3:
Rhodes vs. Southwestern – Southern Collegiate Conference will see its first teams in action tonight in the Rhodes and Southwestern competition. Rhodes started their program in 2012, ending the year 2-9 and went 1-6 in the Southern Collegiate Conference. Southwestern on the other hand, launched its team in 2010. In 2012, the Pirates went 5-10 during the regular season and .500 (4-4) in the SCC. The Lynx’s and Pirates met last year in a midseason game, where the end result was 7-3 in favor of Southwestern. With more experience for their team, the Lynx will give the Pirates everything they’ve got during their 3pm meeting at Rhodes College.
