Salisbury (13-3) vs. Washington College (12-4) – War on the Shore
It’s rivalry time. War on the Shore is back, one of the longest standing traditions in DeeThreeLax as Salisbury and Washington College clash once again with pride, momentum, and bragging rights on the line. This is the 58th war on the shore, and the Seagulls currently lead the rivalry with 37 wins while WAC has 20.
Salisbury enters at 13-3 and once again looks like a national contender. The Sea Gulls have been dominant on both ends of the field, bringing elite offensive production and a strong defensive identity that shows up in big moments.
The offense is led by Connor Herraiz (92 pts), one of the most productive players in the country, alongside Riley Strub (59 pts) and Trent Lucovich (48 pts). That trio has been doing their thing all season long giving Salisbury the ability to get goals in waves and quickly. On the defensive end, Bryce Stevenson (21 CTs, 38 GBs, 5 pts), Jeremiah Stafford (17 CTs, 27 GBs, 1 pt), and Joe Buxbaum (11 CTs, 15 GBs, 2 pts) anchor a unit that thrives in physical, high-intensity matchups and can flip possession when needed.
Washington College comes in at 12-4 and has put together one of its strongest seasons in recent memory. The Shoremen have been consistent, confident, and capable of competing with top-tier teams, making this a much more dangerous matchup than in years past.
Offensively, Peyton Gestole (51 pts) leads the way, with Talan Behler (41 pts) and Nate Winters (40 pts) providing a balanced and reliable scoring attack. On defense, Brian Blanche (19 CTs, 46 GBs, 2 pts) and Connor Updegraff (17 CTs, 43 GBs, 3 pts) bring a big presence and will be tasked with trying to slow down Salisbury’s high-powered offense.
These two met in the 2025 regular season, where Salisbury controlled the game in a 20-6 win. It was a dominant performance from the Sea Gulls, but this year’s Washington College team presents a much tougher challenge.
DeeThreeLax Take
Rivalry games are different and War on the Shore always delivers. Salisbury comes in as the favorite with its firepower and experience, but Washington College is a much improved team that won’t back down. If the Shoremen can limit Salisbury’s runs and stay within striking distance, this could get interesting late. Still, until proven otherwise, Salisbury is the standard, but expect a high-energy battle that lives up to the rivalry.
Emmanuel (8-8) vs. Norwich (8-7) – GNAC Quarterfinal
Playoff lacrosse is here, and this GNAC Quarterfinal matchup between Emmanuel and Norwich has all the ingredients for a back-and-forth battle. These two teams are evenly matched on paper and already proved earlier this season that there’s very little separating them.
Emmanuel enters at 8-8 and has leaned on a strong offensive core to keep them competitive throughout the year. The Saints have shown they can grind out close games something that becomes even more important in the postseason.
Leading the way offensively is Cole Cloney (53 pts), with Ethan Madura (42 pts) and Chase Greenlaw (33 pts)providing a well-balanced offense. On the defensive side, Christopher Hamblett (18 CTs, 58 GBs, 6 pts) has been a major presence, alongside Christian Hanoian (16 CTs, 36 GBs, 5 pts) and Ian Silva (12 CTs, 17 GBs) a group that will be key in slowing down Norwich’s offense.
Norwich comes in at 8-7 and has been just as competitive, bringing a high-powered offense that can put pressure on opponents quickly. The Cadets will look to flip the result from their earlier meeting and make a statement in the postseason.
The offense is led by Jake Marcotte (56 pts) and Drew Fleury (54 pts), with Christian Rainis (31 pts) adding another scoring threat. Defensively, Harrison Poquette (14 CTs, 31 GBs, 2 pts) and Xavier Ixtlahuac (14 CTs, 11 GBs) anchor a unit that will need to come up with key stops in a tight game.
These two met earlier this season, where Emmanuel pulled out a 9-8 win in a tightly contested game that came down to the wire, a perfect preview of what we could see again here.
DeeThreeLax Take
This could be one of the better first-round matchups in the GNAC. Both teams are evenly matched, both can score, and both have already shown they can go toe-to-toe. Expect a high-intensity playoff game where every possession matters, and don’t be surprised if this one comes down to the end with both teams fighting to survive and advance.
Lynchburg (14-1) vs. Washington & Lee (11-5)
Another massive ODAC showdown this weekend as the top two teams in the conference go head-to-head with the No. 1 seed on the line. Lynchburg vs. Washington & Lee has become one of the best matchups in DeeThreeLax, and this game should make for another classic.
Lynchburg enters at 14-1 and has looked like one of the most complete teams in the country all season. The Hornets have been dominant offensively while also controlling the game in the middle of the field.
The offense is led by Riley Hastings (76 pts), one of the top playmakers in the country, alongside Will Rubley (46 pts)and Liam Holman (41 pts). Defensively, Lynchburg brings a deep unit with Kylar Mahoney (29 CTs, 29 GBs), Jake Morales (11 CTs, 21 GBs), Jack Murdock (11 CTs, 20 GBs), and Liam Haley (10 CTs, 16 GBs) all contributing. At the faceoff X, Riley Frankel (209 FO wins, 71%) gives Lynchburg a major edge in controlling possessions and dictating tempo.
Washington & Lee comes in at 11-5 and has once again proven it belongs among the top teams in the ODAC. The Generals bring one of the most explosive offenses in the conference and have shown they can rise to the occasion in big games.
Leading the way is a dynamic duo in James Haley (76 pts) and Luke Caldwell (74 pts), with Tucker Davis (47 pts)adding another high-level scoring option. Defensively, Jay O’Keefe (24 CTs, 28 GBs, 5 pts), Colin Beatty (14 CTs, 45 GBs, 6 pts), and Chris Datz (12 CTs, 34 GBs, 1 pt) anchor a unit that will be tested against Lynchburg’s offense.
These two met twice in 2025, once in the regular season and again in the ODAC Championship Game , with Washington & Lee winning both by just one goal. The title game ended in a 13-12 thriller, showing just how tight this matchup has been.
DeeThreeLax Take
What more could you ask for? Two elite teams, top of the ODAC standings, and recent history filled with one-goal games. Lynchburg comes in as the slight favorite based on consistency this season, but Washington & Lee has already proven it knows how to win this matchup. Expect a high-powered, back-and-forth game that likely comes down to a few key possessions late, and wouldn’t be surprised at all if this is another one-goal finish.
Ithaca (10-5) vs. Skidmore (10-4)
A huge Liberty League matchup this weekend as Ithaca and Skidmore face off in what feels like it could set the tempo for these two teams heading into the conference tournament.
Ithaca enters at 10-5 and has been battle-tested all season, showing the ability to compete with some of the top teams in the country. The Bombers bring a balanced offense and a defensive unit that can make key plays when needed.
Offensively, Tim Rogers (35 pts), Brendan Occhino (34 pts), Will Kleine (31 pts), and Lucas Proctor (27 pts) give Ithaca multiple scoring options that can stretch defenses. On the defensive end, Jace Dockx (18 CTs, 23 GBs) and Max Warn (11 CTs, 14 GBs) will be key in trying to slow down Skidmore’s high-powered offense.
Skidmore comes in at 10-4 and continues to build on an impressive season, proving it belongs among the top teams in the Liberty League. The Thoroughbreds have leaned on a strong offense and a physical, turnover-creating defense.
Leading the way offensively is Mike Aiello (60 pts), with Joseph Killcommons (31 pts), David Koffler (30 pts), and Caleb Lawson (29 pts) providing depth across the board. Defensively, Jude Avelino Jr. (24 CTs, 34 GBs), Ethan Dicturel (22 CTs, 33 GBs), and Michael Dearborn (21 CTs, 30 GBs) anchor a group that thrives on disrupting opposing offenses.
These two split in 2025 in a unique back-to-back stretch. Skidmore took the regular season matchup 15-10, but just three days later Ithaca responded with a dominant 14-4 win in the Liberty League Tournament a clear reminder of how quickly things can swing between these two.
DeeThreeLax Take
Big Liberty League game this weekend. In a conference that has been all over the place this year this game feels like it is one of the biggest of the year. Ithaca sits atop of the LL and looks to remain the number 1 seed heading into the tournament while Skidmore is in 4th and looks to try and take down Ithaca and improve their seeding. Expect a back and forth battle in the liberty league on Saturday.
Springfield (9-5) vs. Salve Regina (9-4)
A big-time NEWMAC showdown closes out the regular season as Springfield and Salve Regina meet with conference seeding on the line. With the postseason right around the corner, this one is big.
Springfield enters at 9-5 and sits in the No. 2 spot in the NEWMAC at 5-1, putting together a strong season under new leadership. The Pride have found a rhythm on both ends of the field and will look to solidify their standing heading into the tournament.
Offensively, Springfield is led by Ryan Berkel (40 pts) and Jake Degnan (39 pts), with Bryan Stensrud (26 pts) adding another scoring option. Defensively, they bring an experienced group in Reece Whitney (26 CTs, 52 GBs, 4 pts), Angus Oliveira (25 CTs, 48 GBs, 1 pt), and Chuck Weitzel (15 CTs, 28 GBs, 2 pts) a unit that thrives on creating turnovers and controlling ground balls.
Salve Regina comes in at 9-4 and currently sits 4th in the NEWMAC at 4-2, still very much in the mix as the conference tournament approaches. The Seahawks have leaned on a high-powered offense and will look to make a statement with a win here.
Leading the way is Daniel Naglieri (64 pts), one of the top scorers in the conference, alongside Chris Koltzan (48 pts)and Casey Johnson (28 pts). Defensively, Luke Castillo (20 CTs, 37 GBs, 3 pts) and TJ Carlo (11 CTs, 35 GBs, 1 pt)anchor the unit, while Carson Van Winkle (12 CTs, 23 GBs) brings versatility from the midfield.
These two met in the 2025 regular season, where Springfield came away with a 15-9 win, controlling the game with strong offensive production and defensive play.
DeeThreeLax Take
This is a sneaky big game in the NEWMAC. Springfield holds the edge in the standings, but Salve Regina has the firepower to make this a tight contest. With seeding implications on the line, expect a high-energy, physical game that could swing late. A win here could go a long way in shaping the path through the NEWMAC tournament
Elmhurst (12-3) vs. Illinois Wesleyan (9-5)
A huge CCIW showdown wraps up the regular season as the top two teams in the conference go head-to-head with momentum and bragging rights on the line. With the conference tournament right around the corner, this matchup feels like a potential preview of what’s to come.
Elmhurst enters at 12-3 and has been the top team in the conference all season long. The Bluejays have put together a strong campaign on both ends of the field and now have a chance to make a statement against the program that has historically dominated the CCIW.
The offense is powered by Eli Spence (87 pts), one of the top scorers in the country, alongside Hunter Hernandez (49 pts) and Brent Diehl (31 pts). Defensively, Gabe Henry (24 CTs, 50 GBs, 2 pts) has been a standout, with Matt Koshiol (11 CTs, 13 GBs) and Alec Castillo (10 CTs, 9 GBs, 1 pt) adding depth to a unit that will be tested against Illinois Wesleyan’s attack.
Illinois Wesleyan comes in at 9-5 and, as always, finds itself right in the mix at the top of the conference. The Titans have been the standard in the CCIW in recent years and will look to remind everyone of that heading into postseason play.
Offensively, Timothy McHugh (53 pts) leads the way, with Nate Pound (26 pts) and Owen Miller (25 pts) providing additional scoring options. On the defensive end, Billy McHugh (33 CTs, 33 GBs, 7 pts) and Kaden Gammelgaard (19 CTs, 22 GBs, 7 pts) anchor a physical group, while Karsten Nordlie (19 CTs, 52 GBs, 4 pts) brings versatility from the midfield.
These two met in the 2025 CCIW Championship Game, where Illinois Wesleyan came away with a 16-13 win to capture the title.
DeeThreeLax Take
Illinois Wesleyan has owned the CCIW in recent years, but Elmhurst looks ready to challenge that. With the top spot and momentum heading into the tournament on the line, expect a great match up unfolding on Saturday and this game should give us a good preview of the CCIW tournament.
Wentworth (8-7) vs. Roger Williams (8-9) – CNE Quarterfinal
Playoff lacrosse in the CNE kicks off with a great 4 vs. 5 matchup as Wentworth and Roger Williams meet in a quarterfinal battle between two teams that know each other well. These are the kinds of games that always seem to come down to the wire.
Wentworth enters at 8-7 and brings a balanced, high-producing offense into the postseason. The Leopards have shown they can score with anyone and will look to lean on that depth in a win-or-go-home scenario.
Leading the way is a three-headed attack in Brendan Kroll (51 pts), Gabe Cobham (48 pts), and Tony Corrado (47 pts) a group that can generate offense from multiple spots. In the midfield, Chuck Urda (22 CTs, 56 GBs, 6 pts) is a difference-maker, while defensively Kyle Leger (20 CTs, 36 GBs) and Colin Blackburn (19 CTs, 50 GBs, 1 pt) provide a group that has been slowing offensive units down all season.
Roger Williams comes in at 8-9 as the No. 4 seed and has built its identity around toughness and defensive playmaking. The Hawks may not have the same offensive numbers as Wentworth, but they make up for it with grit and the ability to create extra possessions.
Offensively, Caleb McKeown (34 pts), Carter Shelton (28 pts), and Reece Moore (26 pts) lead the charge. Defensively, Roger Williams is loaded with playmakers, including Kyle Zirn (47 CTs, 78 GBs, 1 pt), Eric Izzo (22 CTs, 41 GBs, 4 pts), and Alex Burrill (20 CTs, 42 GBs, 1 pt) a unit that can disrupt rhythm and flip momentum quickly.
These two met earlier this season in CNE play, where Roger Williams pulled out a tight 12-11 win in a thrilling match up.
DeeThreeLax Take
This is exactly what you want in a playoff opener, a tight 4 vs. 5 matchup between familiar opponents. Wentworth has the offensive edge, while Roger Williams brings a disruptive defensive unit that can change the game. Expect a high-intensity playoff battle where possessions and ground balls will be everything. Don’t be surprised if this one goes down to the final minute.
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