Division III Semi-Finals Breakdown

Familiar Names, Different Styles

This weekend’s lineup of Division III semi-final matchups seem to promise some exciting lacrosse.  On Sunday May 22nd, Gettysburg, Salisbury, St. Lawrence, and Tufts will look to further their post season play into Memorial Day weekend.  St. Lawrence will look to upset the two time defending national champs, Tufts University.  While Gettysburg will travel to Salisbury.  Gettysburg, Salisbury and Tufts have been familiar names when it comes to post season play.  One important question, is how these teams have become so consistent?

Tufts

With the way that Tufts has been playing this post season it is uncertain that they can be dethroned.  So far in the playoffs they have outscored opponents 63-18.  Their high powered offense allows them to generate on average 17.43 goals per game.  Throughout the year the Jumbos have chalked up a 17-2 record, with losses only to Stevenson and Bates.  Tufts staple is their ability to put the ball in the back of the net.  The jumbos will be tested by a 17-2 St. Lawrence team. 

St. Lawrence

St. Lawrence will travel to Medford, Massachusetts to take on the Jumbos.  The Saints hope to keep their NCAA tournament run going.  St. Lawrence playing in the Liberty league, is having a notable year.  Notable wins for the Saints include, Franklin and Marshall, Middlebury, and Amherst.  Similar to Tufts, St. Lawrence generates a high goals per game average, 14. 85.  Coming off of a big win against Amherst, St. Lawrence travels to Tufts. Expect a high scoring game when the Saints faceoff against the Jumbos on Sunday May 22nd at 5:00 pm.

Salisbury

The Salisbury Seagulls seem to have post season play penciled into their schedule every year.  The program has become so consistent and breeds success.  What allows them to be so successful and consistent is their ability to shoot the ball.  While shooting the ball 37.2%, the Seagulls pride themselves on shooting.  They use a variety a shooting drills which can be seen on YouTube, Berkman’s Bank.  They beat Denison in the quarter-finals just 37 seconds into overtime.  They will face another strong opponent on Sunday, the Gettysburg Bullets.

Gettysburg

Gettysburg has recorded a 17-2 season, sweeping through the Centennial conference.  The Bullets are backed by a lockdown defense which only allows 5.89 goals per game.  Their last two games have very exciting,  both being sent into overtime.  They beat Cabrini in the second round of the playoffs 11-10.  They also beat York 7-6 in the quarterfinals.  The Bullets defense will need to have a strong performance on Sunday if they hope to slow down the Seagulls offense. 

Make sure to grab a nice spot on the couch to enjoy some exciting lacrosse !