Top 10: Bates vs. Tufts has profound NESCAC implications

Bates junior attackman Matt Chlastawa. (Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College

The game of the year in the NESCAC lived up to its billing. Now, get ready for another one.

The latest down-to-the-wire clash saw Tufts fend off a furious Amherst rally on Saturday and take away a 15-14 win that kept it tied atop the league standings. The Jumbos (11-1, 6-1) host Bates (9-2, 6-1) on Tuesday in a game that will likely decide the top seed for the NESCAC tournament.

Elsewhere throughout New England, massive midweek games await in other conferences, too. Springfield and Coast Guard will clash as the NEWMAC power struggle unfolds, while Lasell and St. Joseph’s (GNAC) are on a collision course in the GNAC.

It’s all about to get very real, lacrosse fans. Before then, here’s how New England’s landscape is shaping up.