Justin Ivey, Co-Editor
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Location: Centreville Bank Stadium, Rhode Island
Week 1 of Justin’s Picks started hot and ended with a little bit of humble pie. The Redwoods and Atlas came through with impressive opening weekend wins, and both picks felt strong from the opening whistle as California shut down Utah and New York proved it could win even while missing major stars. Unfortunately, the back half of the weekend didn’t go quite as smoothly, as the Archers bounced back against Denver and the Waterdogs spoiled my Whipsnakes pick in a high-scoring shootout. Still, opening weekend gave us exactly what lacrosse fans were hoping for — explosive offenses, surprise performances, early breakout stars, and a reminder that the PLL may be more competitive this season than ever before. Now we head into Week 2 with several massive matchups already on the schedule, including Atlas vs. Whipsnakes, Redwoods vs. Outlaws, and the first-ever WLL 10v10 game between the Guard and Charging. Let’s see if we can keep the good vibes rolling this weekend.
Season Stats
PLL – 2-2
WLL – 0-0
Worst Prediction from Week 1:
Thinking the Whipsnakes would slow down the Waterdogs offense looked smart for about…five minutes. Philadelphia apparently took that pick personally.
Best Prediction from Week 1:
Picking the Redwoods over the Archers before everyone jumped on the California hype train feels pretty good right about now.
Friday, May 15
Carolina Chaos vs. Boston Cannons – 6:00 PM EDT
Winner: Boston Cannons
I’m taking the Cannons in this matchup because Boston enters Week 2 looking like one of the deepest and most balanced teams in the PLL, especially on the offensive end. Even after an inconsistent 2025 season, the Cannons still have elite firepower with Marcus Holman, Asher Nolting, and Matt Campbell capable of taking over games at any moment. Carolina’s defense will always keep them competitive, but the Chaos continue to struggle generating consistent offense against high-tempo teams that can stretch the field and attack from multiple spots. Boston also benefits from coming into the season healthier and
more settled offensively, while Carolina is still searching for the right offensive rhythm and midfield production. If the Cannons can win possessions early and force the Chaos to play from behind, this feels like the type of matchup where Boston’s depth and transition game become the difference.
New York Atlas vs. Maryland Whipsnakes – 8:30 PM EDT
Winner: New York Atlas
I’m sticking with the Atlas in this matchup because Week 1 proved just how deep and dangerous this roster really is. New York picked up an impressive win over Carolina despite missing several major contributors, including Jeff Teat and Trevor Baptiste, which says a lot about the talent and confidence this team has entering 2026. Connor Shellenberger looked comfortable running the offense, the midfield played fast, and the Atlas showed they can pressure teams in transition even without their full lineup available. Maryland is always a tough out because of its veteran leadership and disciplined style, but the Whipsnakes also showed in Week 1 that they can be vulnerable in high-scoring games. If the Atlas get Teat back, their offense becomes even more dangerous, and if not, they already proved they can beat quality teams without him. Right now, New York feels like the hotter team with more momentum heading into one of the biggest matchups of the weekend.
Saturday, May 16
California Redwoods vs. Denver Outlaws – 1:00 PM EDT
Winner: California Redwoods
I’m rolling with the Redwoods again this week because California looked far more complete in Week 1 than many people expected, while Denver left a lot of questions unanswered offensively. The Outlaws managed just seven goals against Utah and struggled to consistently generate rhythm in settled offense, which is concerning for a team built around explosive scorers and transition playmakers. California, meanwhile, looked confident, physical, and disciplined in its win over the Archers, especially on the defensive end and in controlling tempo. The Redwoods also seem to be buying fully into Anthony Kelly’s system now, and that chemistry showed throughout Week 1. Denver absolutely has the talent to break out offensively at any moment, but until the Outlaws prove they can consistently put pressure on strong defenses, I’m leaning toward the more balanced and battle-tested team right now. If California can slow the pace early and force Denver into longer possessions again, I think the Redwoods take this one.
New York Charging vs. Boston Guard – 5:30 PM EDT
Winner: Boston Guard
I’m taking the Boston Guard in the first WLL 10v10 matchup because I think their star power and overall balance give them the edge in a historic opener. Boston is led by some of the biggest names in women’s lacrosse, including Charlotte North, who can completely take over games offensively with her shooting range and creativity around the cage. They also have strong veteran leadership throughout the lineup and a defense that should translate well into the full-field format. New York absolutely has elite talent of its own, especially with players capable of creating offense in transition and attacking aggressively downhill, but the Guard feel slightly more polished and complete entering the weekend. In a first-ever 10v10 game where communication, composure, and execution will matter more than ever, I trust Boston’s veteran core and top-end talent to rise to the occasion.
Philadelphia Waterdogs vs. Boston Cannons – 8:00 PM EDT
Winner: Philadelphia Waterdogs
I’m taking the Waterdogs in this matchup because Philadelphia’s offense looked explosive in Week 1 and now gets a Boston team playing its second game of the weekend. The Waterdogs proved against Maryland that they can thrive in fast-paced, high-scoring games, and their athleticism in transition makes them one of the toughest teams in the league to slow down once they get momentum. Boston absolutely has the offensive talent to keep pace, but playing Carolina the night before could become a major factor, especially against a younger Waterdogs roster that wants to push tempo for four quarters. Philadelphia also looked more confident and organized offensively than they did at times last season, particularly when attacking early in the shot clock and creating matchup problems from the midfield. If the game opens up and turns into a track meet, I think that plays directly into the Waterdogs’ strengths and gives them the edge late.