Gettysburg Causes Sizable Shakeup in Division III Men's Top 20

In what is already a sizable shakeup, one result has thrown the bottom half of the USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20 into chaos.

Ranked 13th coming into this week was Lynchburg, but the Hornets were downed by Gettysburg. The Bullets’ offense seemed to be able to score at will, especially during a seven-goal run that stretched from the end of the first quarter and into the second and blew the game open.

Of course, if a team enters the Top 20 with a big win, it must displace a squad that was previously ranked. Unfortunately, that team is Denison, who was dispatched 17-13 by RIT. An eight-goal explosion in the third quarter opened the game for the Tigers, who were led by Clifford Gaston’s six points.

Dickinson-Stevens was the other big game between ranked teams. The Ducks came out on top 11-6, causing some movement in the top half of the poll for the first time this season.

As a result, Stevens climbs into the top 10, and Dickinson slides just a bit farther down.

The other team knocking on the door is Stevenson, which has its second statement win in a row thanks to an 18-6 demolition of Muhlenberg. Western New England’s overtime loss to St. Lawrence showed that it could hang with the Top 20 teams, but WNEU also remains on the bubble.

It’s important to note that early results don’t dictate or project much. Top teams play other top teams to get better along the way. One loss doesn’t necessarily boot you from the Top 20, but a huge win, like Gettysburg’s victory over Lynchburg, means you have to be considered.

It’s a long season, and we are just getting started. We still have one more week to wait for the entire NESCAC to return to the fray, too.

Continue below to see the entire Top 20, which is compiled by USA Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors.

USA LACROSSE DIVISION III 
MEN’S TOP 20