Widener (2-7) vs. Eastern (1-9)

A MAC opener with two teams looking to reset their season, as Widener and Eastern square off with both sides searching for momentum after tough non-conference slates.

Widener comes into the matchup at 2-7 with wins over Shenandoah and Gwynedd Mercy. The Pride have played a challenging schedule to start the season, and while the results haven’t always gone their way, this is a fresh opportunity with conference play beginning.

Offensively, Widener will look to Luke Shimko (29 pts) and Samuel Haverstrom (26 pts) to lead the way and generate early scoring chances. On the defensive end, Aidan Jackson (20 CTs, 31 GBs, 2 pts) has been a standout, consistently creating turnovers and winning ground balls, while Jake Shannon (7 CTs, 12 GBs, 1 pt) adds another piece to a defense that will need to be active to control possessions.

Eastern enters at 1-9 with a win over DeSales, and like Widener, has faced a tough early-season schedule. The Eagles have been battle-tested, even if the record doesn’t fully show it, and will be looking at this matchup as a chance to turn things around as MAC play begins.

The offense is led by Brett Gougler (26 pts) and Frankie Fanelli (23 pts), who have been consistent producers throughout the season. Defensively, Eastern brings an aggressive group led by Sean Dendall (16 CTs, 25 GBs), Zach Puckett (16 CTs, 16 GBs), and Nicholas Ciampaglio (14 CTs, 28 GBs, 2 pts) a unit capable of creating chaos and flipping the field.

Eastern took control of last year’s matchup with a 16-8 win in 2025, pulling away with a strong offensive performance and setting the tone early.

DeeThreeLax Take
This looks to be a true reset game for both teams. Records aside, both groups have been tested and now get a clean start in conference play. If Widener can get consistent production from Shimko and Haverstrom and control possessions, they will be in a good spot. But Eastern’s defensive playmakers have success in this matchup it will make this one have the ability to swing either way.

RPI (7-4) vs. Vassar (5-4)

A strong Liberty League matchup here on Wednesday afternoon as RPI looks to get back on track against a Vassar team that has quietly put together a strong season.

RPI enters at 7-4 with a solid résumé that includes wins over Sewanee, Rhodes, Geneseo, Muhlenberg, MIT, and Williams. Despite the strong start, the Engineers come into this one on a two-game skid after dropping games to Skidmore and Union, making this a big bounce-back opportunity in conference play.

The offense is led by a dynamic trio in Tyler Ruffini (44 pts), Cooper Manzi (38 pts), and Sean Smith (31 pts) a group that can generate offense in bunches when they get into rhythm. On the defensive end, RPI has multiple playmakers who can flip possessions, including Robby McDonald (13 CTs, 25 GBs, 4 pts), Dylan Slimak (13 CTs, 13 GBs), and Owen Stesney (13 CTs, 25 GBs). When RPI is at its best, they’re creating chaos defensively and turning it into transition opportunities.

Vassar comes in at 5-4 with wins over Oneonta, Clark, Western Connecticut, New Paltz, and Clarkson, and has looked competitive throughout a solid schedule. The Brewers have been in a lot of tight games and have shown they can hang with strong Liberty League competition.

Offensively, Anderson Eads (36 pts) and Gavin Arcuri (33 pts) lead the way and give Vassar a reliable one-two punch. Defensively, Dan Bader (10 CTs, 28 GBs, 1 pt), Hayden Sofield (9 CTs, 12 GBs, 2 pts), and Tim Morin (9 CTs, 12 GBs) provide a group that can create turnovers and keep games within reach.

RPI took a 12-8 win in the 2025 regular season, controlling the game down the stretch and creating separation late. It was a competitive game early, but RPI’s ability to execute and generate extra possessions made the difference.

DeeThreeLax Take
This is a sneaky game, RPI has more top-end firepower and will be motivated to snap the losing streak, but Vassar has been battle-tested and has the pieces to make this uncomfortable. If the Brewers can keep this game close into the fourth quarter, don’t be surprised if this turns into a one-possession game late.

Salem State (4-3) vs. Husson (7-2)

A  fun midweek matchup as Salem State looks to keep momentum rolling against a Husson team that comes in with revenge on its mind.

Salem State enters at 4-3 following a convincing 16-8 win over Vermont State Castleton, and the Vikings look like a group starting to find its groove. With wins over Anna Maria, MCLA, Mount St. Vincent, and Castleton, Salem State has shown it can generate offense and control games when things are clicking.

The offense has been extremely balanced, led by Landon Rice (26 pts), James Tatro (26 pts), and Connor Vittands (25 pts)  a trio that gives Salem State multiple options and makes them difficult to key on defensively. On the other end, Jaxon Thomas (21 CTs, 25 GBs, 7 pts) and Owen Giorgio (18 CTs, 64 GBs, 11 pts) have been major factors, doing a little bit of everything and helping create extra possessions.

Husson comes into the matchup at 7-2 with a strong résumé that includes wins over Southern Maine, Albright, Centenary (NJ), VTSU, Anna Maria, Mount Saint Mary College, and SUNY Cobleskill. The Eagles have been one of the more consistent teams in this group and bring a high-powered offense into Wednesday.

The offense is led by Kiernan Field (47 pts), one of the top producers in the region, alongside Dominic Hollenkamp (29 pts) and Taylor Schwalje (26 pts). When this group gets going, Husson can score quickly and put pressure on opposing defenses.

These teams played a tight one in 2025, with Salem State pulling out a 13-11 win. It was a competitive, back-and-forth game that stayed within reach throughout, ultimately decided by execution late.

DeeThreeLax Take
An under-the-radar game for Wednesday afternoon. Salem State comes in with momentum and a balanced offense, but Husson has the stronger record and a clear revenge angle after last season’s loss. If Salem State can keep spreading the offense and win possessions, they’re right there, but if Field and the Husson offense find momentum early, this could turn into a high-scoring battle.

Calvin (7-2) vs. Trine (10-1)

A midweek Midwest battle is on tap that features Calvin taking on a red-hot Trine squad in a game that should make for an exciting one.

Calvin enters at 7-2 with wins over Capital, Illinois Tech, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Wooster, Carthage, St. Joseph’s (ME), and North Central. The Knights opened the season on a strong run and have shown they can compete with quality teams, most recently battling Illinois Wesleyan in a hard-fought game. This is a great opportunity to bounce back and reestablish momentum.

Offensively, Calvin brings a balanced offense led by Jordan Warners (32 pts), Barden Carpenter (26 pts), and David Blackmon (24 pts)  a group that allows them to spread the field and create opportunities from multiple spots. Defensively, Drew Garrison (27 CTs, 44 GBs, 1 pt) has been a game-changer, consistently creating turnovers and winning possessions. In net, Soren Thiemann (115 saves, 56% SV%) has been a steady presence and will be key in a matchup that could feature plenty of offensive pressure.

Trine comes into this one at an impressive 10-1, with wins over Wittenberg, Carroll, Heidelberg, Ohio Northern, Otterbein, Cornell, Edgewood, Hanover, Centenary (LA), and Capital. At this point, it’s clear Trine is legit. This program has been building, and this season it’s starting to show in a big way.

The offense is powered by Rocco Curatola (37 pts), Connor Ballantyne (28 pts), and Mitchell Voglewede (26 pts), giving Trine a well-rounded scoring offense. On the defensive side, Danny Kelly (31 CTs, 49 GBs, 2 pts) has been a force, while Nick Fariello (83-141 FO, 59%) gives Trine a key advantage at the faceoff X something that could play a major role in this matchup.

Trine has already proven it can compete with strong teams this season, including a quality win over Ohio Northern and a competitive showing against Oberlin, a team that recently knocked off Ohio Wesleyan. This is a group that should not be overlooked.

These two played a tight one in 2025, with Calvin pulling out a 13-12 win in a game that came down to the final possessions. It was a back-and-forth battle where neither side could create much separation.

DeeThreeLax Take
Calvin has the experience and already knows how to win this matchup, but Trine comes in with serious momentum and confidence. If Fariello controls the faceoff X and Trine gets consistent offensive production, Trine will be setting the tempo all game. But if Calvin can slow things down and lean on their defensive playmakers, this could turn into another one-goal game late.

Wesleyan (6-2) vs. Amherst (3-4)

It doesn’t get much better than a midweek NESCAC battle, and this one has all the ingredients. Wesleyan comes in playing some of its best lacrosse early in the season, while Amherst looks to prove that its record doesn’t fully reflect how dangerous this team really is.

Wesleyan enters at 6-2 with an impressive résumé that includes wins over Vassar, RIT, Scranton, Colby, Stevens, and Hamilton. The Cardinals have once again positioned themselves near the top of the NESCAC picture, and while every game in this conference is a grind, this group has shown it can win in multiple ways.

What stands out most about Wesleyan is its balance. The offense doesn’t rely on one player, with Gavin Lechner (22 pts), Matt Morrow (21 pts), Will Miller (21 pts), and Thomas Girimonti (21 pts) all contributing at a high level. That depth makes them difficult to defend and allows them to stay consistent across four quarters. Defensively, Joe Hurton (14 CTs, 21 GBs, 2 pts), Lucca Casagrande (11 CTs, 10 GBs), and Charlie Hill (10 CTs, 19 GBs, 3 pts) anchor a unit that creates turnovers and keeps pressure on opposing offenses.

Amherst comes in at 3-4, but this is a team that has been battle-tested as much as anyone in DeeThreeLax so far this season. With wins over Hamilton, Bates, and Swarthmore, including a dominant 20-8 win over Bates. The Mammoths have shown flashes of how dangerous they can be when everything clicks.

Offensively, Amherst spreads the field well, with Bob Gross (20 pts) leading the way, followed by Brendan Reilly (16 pts), Willie Doyle (15 pts), Patrick Arnold (14 pts), Bennett Chow (14 pts), and Alex Vlacich (12 pts). That kind of depth allows them to keep pressure on defenses throughout the game. On the defensive side, Thompson Lau (13 CTs, 13 GBs, 1 pt) and Sam Sneider (9 CTs, 20 GBs) bring physicality and the ability to disrupt possessions.

These two programs are very familiar with each other, and their matchups are typically tight, physical, and competitive throughout. Last season Wesleyan took home the 8-7 win over Amherst in an early season NESCAC matchup. 

DeeThreeLax Take
Wesleyan has been the more consistent team to this point and looks like a legit contender in the NESCAC, but Amherst has already shown it can dominate strong teams when it gets rolling. If Wesleyan’s balance continues to shine, they’ve got the edge, but if Amherst comes out fast and sets the tone early, this could turn into another classic NESCAC battle that comes down to the final possession.