LaxPhilly Local Five - Volume 3

By Tom Hoffman

Now that we've taken a look at some of the area's best Men's college games and players for 2008, the LaxPhilly Local Five now heads toward the Women's collegiate game. The Philadelphia area has a great number of teams that are among the top ranked in all divisions. In this installment of the Local Five, we'll examine five of the top games that will be played in the area this season. While a number of great games have been played already and some will be left off the list, the five that made the cut are definitely games you should take time to catch. So, with that in mind, here are the LaxPhilly Local Five Women's NCAA games to keep an eye on.

1. Lock Haven at West Chester - March 25

The Rams, led by Senior Attack Stephanie Kienle, are looking to reach the NCAA Division II title game for the fifth straight season. This matchup will be the first of two with their PSAC rivals who are also highly ranked (WCU 2nd in the IWLCA poll, LHU 5th). Conference games are always a treat to watch, especially between two teams that have met in the conference title game the last two seasons.

2. James Madison at Delaware - April 11

The Blue Hens will play two ranked teams (George Mason the other) in three days starting with this matchup. With Delaware off to a 3-1 start, this could be a big stretch of games for a program looking to earn a coveted NCAA berth, their first since 2000.

3. Salisbury at The College of New Jersey - April 12

A meeting of two teams perched in the top five of the IWLCA's Division III poll, these two also met in the 2005 D-III title game (won by TCNJ 9-7). The Sea Gulls are looking to return to the final after losing the 2007 championship to Franklin and Marshall. The Lions are hoping for a run to title # 13.

4. Princeton at Temple - April 23

1995 was the last time Princeton missed the NCAA playoffs. Temple hasn't made the dance since 2004. At this point in the season, wins against ranked teams (Princeton currently 7th) can make a team's case for an at-large bid.

5. Northwestern at Penn - April 27

When these two teams met at Franklin Field last May, the Wildcats ended the Quakers surprise run through the NCAA tourney. The Quakers haven't forgotten and would love to derail the Northwestern run to a fourth consecutive national championship. The Wildcats duo of Hannah Nielsen and Hilary Bowen against Penn's defense of Hilary Renna and goalie Sarah Waxman should be fun to watch.

Next to be featured will be the top five area Women's players.

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