By Todd McElwee

Chalk prevailed opening weekend as favorites across the board claimed their first, and even second, victories of the season.

No. 8 North Carolina did more damage in Georgia than General Sherman, producing convincing wins against Penn State (14-10) and Mercer (20-7) on Saturday and Sunday respectively at the fourth annual Southern Showdown. Junior midfielder Davey Emala, a Gilman alumnus and Georgetown transfer, netted six goals during the weekend.

The only minor upset was Delaware edging out Bucknell, 11-10, in overtime. Midfielder Dan Keane produced the winner five seconds into the extra session.

Other favorites such as Ohio State, Colgate and Duke, as well as the Maryland and Northwestern women, all collected victories. In Div. III, top-ranked Salisbury rolled Greensboro, 19-6.

Hail to the Victors (but not last weekend)
Michigan debuted as a proper Div. I outfit Sunday, falling to Detroit Mercy, 13-9. (When is the last time the Titans defeated their instate rivals in anything?)

The Wolverines looked the part, sporting winged helmets, reminiscent of the football team's headgear, as well as maize jerseys and shorts.

One for One
Shawn Nadelen won his debut as Towson's head coach, leading the Tigers to a 12-10 win against Jacksonville.

Posted Feb. 13, 2012