Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:

1. The Most Influential Figures in Black Lacrosse History

To kick off US Lacrosse Magazine’s Black History Month campaign, Brian Simpkins of Blaxers Blog shined a light on some of the most important figures that have been instrumental to the progress of the Black lacrosse community. 

Read the full list and bios here.

2. Big Ten Schedule Release

Yesterday we finally received a little more clarity about what the Big Ten season will look like. Well, the first half that is. It includes five weekends of conference matchups. 

It's here

Our 2021 Schedule (Part I) has been announced! The second half of games to be released at a later date. https://t.co/He5y3phwZw

— Maryland Lacrosse (@TerpsMLax) February 4, 2021

3. Right Place. Right Time. Right Person. 

Three days after testing positive for COVID-19 and going into isolation, Mary Griffin found out she had cancer. On a Zoom call. Hours from home. At just 19 years old. Thanks to athletic trainer Anne Bryan, playing for Virginia Tech might have saved her life.

Check out the must-read feature by USL’s Brian Logue here.

4. Let There Be Lacrosse

Later today, the Duke men’s lacrosse will play their first game in 332 days since the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020 season. In the cover story of our March edition go inside how John Danowski assembled one of the most formidable teams in recent memory, while also keeping the game fun.  

Full story.

5. The Syracuse men are on a mission.

After starting 2020 5-0, the Orange returned several key fifth-year seniors, who came back to finish what they started. Learn more in the full preview of the No. 2 team in our preseason Top 20. 

6.  “They’re loaded” 

That’s how one rival coach described the Notre Dame women, ranked No. 2 in the Nike/USL Preseason Top 20. While the Irish’s offense gets its fair share of praise, its defense finished the shortened 2020 season as the No. 2 unit in the nation.

Read Kenny DeJohn’s preview here.

7.  Lax Sports Network released its CAA Game of the Week broadcast schedule.

The slate kicks off with a Top 20 matchup between Army and UMASS. To see all the TV listings on the calendar so far, head here. 

The LSN 2021 @CAASports Game of the Week broadcast schedule. Starting February 13 and concluding with the women's and men's #CAALax Championships May 6-9. Every game free at https://t.co/oJkK8CQ2nw. pic.twitter.com/1fZKRiF4nF

— Lax Sports Network (@LaxSportsNet) February 4, 2021

WHAT WE’RE READING

• The USILA dropped its Division II Preseason All-Americans.

• Inside Lacrosse previews North Carolina’s outlook and prospects heading into the 2021 season. The Tar Heels open on Sunday at home against Denver.

• The Syracuse men released their 2021 schedule, which includes 12 games and kicks off on February 21 against Army in the Carrier Dome. 

• The Duke Chronicle with pieces about Michael Sowers and freshman attackman Brennan O’Neill. 

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

This is cool. 

Practice today had a little buzzing the tower action!#GoNavy pic.twitter.com/pXlqCc2qH2

— Navy Men's Lacrosse (@navymlax) February 4, 2021

WHAT’S ON TAP

• Our preseason Nike/US Lacrosse rankings countdown finishes with our No. 1 teams — the Duke men and the North Carolina women women.

• The return of the Gameday Guide.

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