Syracuse Keeps Winning, Stays No. 1 In Lacrosse Polls

They don't win pretty, but they keep winning. And so the Orange remain atop both lacrosse polls another week.

In the USILA Division I Coaches Poll, the Orange grab all 13 first-place votes and maintain their spot at No. 1. Notre Dame, Hopkins, Maryland and Cornell round out the Top 5. I didn't realize we were allowed to have a Top 5 without at least two ACC teams in it. Wonders never cease...

The top three remain unchanged in the Nike/Inside Lacrosse Media Poll for Week 8. The Orange grabbed 17 first-place votes for the top spot. Then its Notre Dame, Hopkins, Maryland and Cornell as well.

Villanova is the only other Big East team in the rankings, coming in at No. 11 in both.

In case anyone tries to tell you the Orange are a paper tiger due to their close games and lack of blowouts, remind them that the Orange have defeated the No. 3, No. 6, No. 7, No. 10, No. 11 and No. 17 teams in the nation this year.

Up next, No. 5 Cornell on Tuesday in what should be a fantastic match-up. The Orange have gotten pretty good at ripping their Big Red hearts out every time they play. Cornell has a great chance to return the favor and give the Orange their first loss of the season. Win this game and the April 30th showdown with No. 2 Notre Dame will loom that much bigger.

As for defenseman John Lade, Desko said that Lade might have played against Princeton if it "was a national championship game." But since the Orange have a tough stretch and Lade isn't 100%, he decided to rest him. Chances are we'll see him Tuesday, which would be clutch as the Orange can definitely use him.

Big East Standings - April 11th

No. 1 Syracuse (9-0, 2-0)

No. 2 Notre Dame (8-0, 3-0)

St. John's (4-6, 2-1)

Georgetown (4-5, 2-2)

No. 11 Villanova (8-3, 0-2)

Providence (3-6, 0-2)

Rutgers (5-5, 0-2)