Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Syracuse has already been dealt a massive blow.
Emma Ward, a freshman sensation in 2021 who entered 2022 with high hopes of continuing her breakout, announced on Instagram that she will miss the entire season with a lower leg injury.
Last season, Syracuse dealt with lower leg injuries to Emily Hawryschuk and Megan Carney and still made a run to the NCAA championship game — and much of that had to do with Ward’s emergence.
More here.
2. The North Carolina men are going to be incredibly young in the midfield.
Joe Breschi estimates that four of his top nine guys at the position will be freshmen, meaning it’s a puzzle as to who plays best together. But UNC, ranked No. 6 in our Nike / USA Lacrosse Preseason Top 20, still has plenty of buzz about it entering the season.
More here.
3. Is Maryland back?
It’s always Championship Weekend or bust for the Maryland women’s lacrosse team, but after a relatively down period, it looks as if Cathy Reese’s program has reloaded via the transfer portal.
The additions of Aurora Cordingley, Abby Bosco and Clancy Rheude have people anxious to see this new era of Maryland on the turf.
More here.
4. The New York Riptide earned their first win of the NLL season in a one-goal nailbiter. That and more scores from the weekend:
FRIDAY
Georgia 12, Rochester 8
SATURDAY
Buffalo vs. Halifax (postponed)
Philadelphia 18, Rochester 10
SUNDAY
New York 13, Philadelphia 12