Women’s lacrosse is a fast-paced, exciting sport that has been growing in popularity in recent years. The NCAA Division III level is home to some of the most talented players in the country, and the competition is fierce. Here is a look at the current D3 women’s lacrosse rankings, as well as some of the key storylines to watch for in the upcoming season.
Top 25 Rankings
The latest D3 women’s lacrosse rankings, released on March 14, 2023, are as follows:
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middlebury College | 5-0 |
| 2 | Salisbury University | 4-0 |
| 3 | Trinity College (CT) | 4-0 |
| 4 | SUNY Cortland | 5-0 |
| 5 | Amherst College | 4-0 |
| 6 | Wesleyan University | 4-0 |
| 7 | Kenyon College | 4-1 |
| 8 | Gettysburg College | 4-1 |
| 9 | Christopher Newport University | 4-1 |
| 10 | York College (PA) | 5-0 |
| 11 | St. Mary’s College of Maryland | 5-1 |
| 12 | Bowdoin College | 3-1 |
| 13 | Washington & Lee University | 4-1 |
| 14 | McDaniel College | 4-1 |
| 15 | Dickinson College | 3-1 |
| 16 | Lynchburg University | 5-1 |
| 17 | Drew University | 4-1 |
| 18 | Tufts University | 2-2 |
| 19 | Ursinus College | 4-1 |
| 20 | Ithaca College | 4-1 |
| 21 | Franklin & Marshall College | 3-2 |
| 22 | Hamilton College | 4-1 |
| 23 | University of Mary Washington | 4-2 |
| 24 | Catholic University | 4-2 |
| 25 | Muhlenberg College | 3-2 |
Key Storylines
There are several key storylines to watch for in the upcoming D3 women’s lacrosse season.
- Can Middlebury College repeat as national champions? The Panthers are the defending national champions, and they have a lot of talent returning this season. They will be looking to make a run at another title.
- Will Salisbury University be able to challenge Middlebury? The Sea Gulls have been one of the top teams in D3 for several years, and they are always a threat to win the national championship. They will be looking to take the next step and win their first title since 2017.
- Can Trinity College (CT) make a run at the national championship? The Bantams have been a top 10 team for several years, and they are always a threat to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. They will be looking to make a statement this season and win their first national championship.
- Will SUNY Cortland be able to maintain its success? The Red Dragons have been one of the most successful teams in D3 in recent years, winning the national championship in 2021. They will be looking to continue their success this season and win another title.
- Will Amherst College be able to make a run at the national championship? The Mammoths have been a top 5 team for several years, and they are always a threat to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. They will be looking to make a statement this season and win their first national championship.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are some common mistakes that teams make when preparing for the D3 women’s lacrosse season. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Not taking strength and conditioning seriously. Strength and conditioning is an important part of preparing for any sport, but it is especially important for lacrosse players. Teams that are not strong and conditioned will be at a disadvantage against teams that are.
- Not having a good game plan. Teams need to have a good game plan in order to be successful. This includes knowing what their strengths and weaknesses are, as well as what their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses are.
- Not being prepared for the mental game. Lacrosse is a mental as well as a physical game. Teams need to be prepared for the mental challenges that they will face during the season. This includes being able to stay focused and motivated, as well as being able to deal with adversity.
Pros and Cons
There are both pros and cons to playing D3 women’s lacrosse. Here are a few things to consider:
Pros:
- The competition is very good. D3 women’s lacrosse is a very competitive level of play. Teams are well-coached and the players are talented. This makes for some exciting games.
- The atmosphere is great. D3 women’s lacrosse games are often played in front of large and enthusiastic crowds. This creates a great atmosphere for the players and the fans.
- The cost is relatively low. D3 women’s lacrosse is more affordable than many other levels of play. This makes it a great option for students who are looking to play lacrosse without breaking the bank.
Cons:
- The travel can be tough. D3 women’s lacrosse teams often have to travel long distances to play games. This can be tough on the players, especially during the long season.
- The competition can be too tough. For some players, the competition in D3 women’s lacrosse may be too tough. This can lead to frustration and burnout.
- The scholarship opportunities are limited. D3 women’s lacrosse teams do not offer scholarships, so players need to find other ways to help pay for college.
Conclusion
The D3 women’s lacrosse season is about to get underway, and there is a lot of excitement in the air. The teams are talented, the competition is fierce, and the atmosphere is great. Be sure to follow the action all season long!
