Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Pro lacrosse season is here.
Major League Lacrosse players report for training camp today in Annapolis, Md., with games starting Saturday and concluding with the championship game July 26. The league announced Wednesday an expanded broadcast schedule, with the final now airing on ESPN. Games will also be available internationally on the TSN app (Canada) and on ESPN’s over-the-top digital streaming platform ESPN Player.
2. The Premier Lacrosse League and US Lacrosse announced a partnership for the PLL Championship Series (July 25-Aug. 9 in Salt Lake City, Utah), which includes fundraising support for the sport’s national governing body and messaging promoting its mission.
3. USC and Providence picked up a pair of quality transfers in Maddie McDaniel and Peter Pittroff, respectively
McDaniel, a first-team All-CAA midfielder at James Madison, set the school and conference single-season record with 187 draw controls last year.
Pittroff was a two-time All-American attackman at Denison, leading all of Division III with 79 assists last year.
Both seniors are using the fifth year of eligibility afforded by the NCAA to spring sports student-athletes whose 2020 seasons were cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. The Rochester Knighthawks have reacquired defender Mike Manley. The K-Hawks traded three draft picks to the New York Riptide in return for Manley, who has been very productive in the National Lacrosse League when he has played.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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About being comfortable being uncomfortable during the pandemic, an IWLCA “Behind the Whistle” blog by Bridgewater College coach Rachel Bragg.
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How Denver Outlaws young guns Ryan Lee and Chris Aslanian have benefitted from playing alongside John Grant Jr., reportedly playing his last season at age 45.
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How Val Curran helped transform youth lacrosse in southern New Jersey.
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Why Virginia coach Lars Tiffany got emotional when he heard the All-American long pole Jared Conners was accepted into graduate school, assuring his return in 2020.
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DraftKings is offering lacrosse bets through a partnership with the PLL, per CNBC.
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The Skidmore men’s lacrosse team’s partnership with Harlem Lacrosse is “more than a Band-Aid solution.”
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A Washington Post story on Lyle Thompson setting aside the hostility of his youth and taking a more positive and proactive stance on diffusing Native American stereotypes.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
ESPN reminding us that Chaos LC midfielder Mark Glicini is an absolute savage and most certainly deserved to be named PLL Teammate of the Year.
Now this is putting your body on the line for the team
— ESPN (@espn) July 15, 2020
(via @PremierLacrosse) pic.twitter.com/peGECym3E1
Some high-profile Boston pro sports athletes wishing the Cannons well in the upcoming MLL season.
We're fired up for the 2020 season thanks to our friends at the @Patriots, @NHLBruins and @RedSox‼️ The quest to bring a back to the City of Champions begins in just 3 days pic.twitter.com/9N0eeUrxOK
— Boston Cannons (@BostonCannons) July 15, 2020
Multiple appearances by National Lacrosse Hall of Famer and former U.S. team star Sal LoCascio in these odes to the goalies of yesteryear.
Shout to the 80's Goalies
— The Academy (@_The_Academy_) July 14, 2020
.#lacrosse @QKessenich @Aburnzab @LoyolaMLAX @jhumenslacrosse @CuseMLAX @GoaliesmithLax @adam8taylor @KipTurner pic.twitter.com/2dw9M82LPs
, 1990: Team @USAMLax #22 Sal LoCascio Holding Down the Fort for the Stars & Stripes. pic.twitter.com/3UuEC1Hpft
— Lacrosse Film Study (@LaxFilmStudy) July 15, 2020
WHAT’S ON TAP
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More MLL features as teams report for training camp.
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A “Gear Up” giveaway over on our Instagram channel.
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A story about decorated official and fervent US Lacrosse supporter Debbie Swiss.