The Playoff Picture

      If you aren't fortunate enough to be tuned into what's currently happening in MAC Commonwealth Conference for Men's lacrosse, let me just say it's become quite interesting as far as the playoff picture. The LVC Flying Dutchmen are currently sitting fourth in the conference with a (4-3) conference record and a (9-5) overall record. Widener is third with a (5-2) conference record and a (9-5) overall, Albright is second with a (6-2) conference and an (11-3) overall and Stevenson sits atop the conference undefeated and (14-2) overall. Events have transpired, however, putting some pressure on LVC as well as the teams below.
      Lycoming, Messiah and Elizabethtown are all tied for 5th place with a 3-4 conference. All three of LVC's losses have come from the three teams above them and their wins from the teams below them except Elizabethtown, who they will be closing the season with this coming Saturday. What has happened, however, is that Messiah took it to Albright this evening and came out victorious in an important 13-8 game which keeps Messiah's playoff hopes alive. This complicates things because LVC beat Messiah and Albright beat LVC. In the event LVC loses their final game and Messiah wins (which seems likely considering it's against Alvernia, currently 8th out of 9 teams in the conference), a four way tie occurs between Elizabethtown, Messiah and LVC. Prior to Messiah beating Albright, the Dutchmen essentially clinched a spot in the playoffs with their close with against Lycoming this afternoon 5-4.
       It's a very exciting time to be playing lacrosse in the MAC Commonwealth. These teams have been incredibly hard to predict (with the exception of Stevenson, who has been running away with most of their conference games) with some games being closer than expected, (LVC 4 - LYCO 5) and certain upsets (Messiah 13 - Albright 8).

This Saturday is a big game for the Dutchmen as they faceoff against Elizabethtown. A win clinches guaranteed playoff berth, a loss puts some things up in the air. See you at Arnold Field this Saturday for the Dutchmen's Senior Game!