COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – I’m guessing the Johnnies will take down the Dome for this one and play the Ospreys in the crisp, spring air of central Minnesota.

Just a hunch.

It’ll be the first time a tournament game, virtual or otherwise, occurred in the Land of 10,000 Lakes since the MCLA made a one-year pit stop in Blaine in 2005.

And it will be cold.

Speaking of cooling off, North Florida’s white hot 2019 season that saw them go 13-2, win the SELC tournament and advance to the national quarterfinals has run into a frosty spell.

D-II Round 1: North Florida at St. John's | https://t.co/AMV8tI7OH6 #virtualmcla20
— MCLA Tournament '21 (@MCLA_Tournament) March 24, 2020

Junior middie Matt Keeler is on pace for a monster year for the Ospreys while senior attackman John Testa provides a nice complement. Sophomore attackman Vaugh Mauer is another big threat, but things tail off after that.

Glenn Mandel is a big boy – 6-foot-5, 200 pounds – and fills up the goal mouth. He’s had a very good rookie season for the Ospreys.

“We’ve had our challenges, but I think we’re ready to peak at the best time,” said North Florida coach Tucker Clancy*. “I’ve heard Minnesota is a cool place, literally, but this is a business trip.”

UNF runs into a St. John’s outfit continuing its search for a national championship. The Johnnies have as good a pedigree in the division as any team, but the brass ring remains elusive.

This could be the year, however.

Seniors Tommy Kraus and Boone Almquist are arguably the most devasting midfield duo in the country while classmate Joey Goudreau delivers on attack.

Defense has always been a mainstay of the Johnnies and this year is no different. Senior Hayden Lacy leads a band of rangey poles that can cause fits for opposing offenses.

“It’s 46 degrees and cloudy today. That’s t-shirt weather in Collegeville,” said St. John’s coach Derek Daehn*. “We’re excited to have North Florida join us for a great day of lacrosse.”

[*- The coach didn’t really say this. This is all made up. It’s fake]