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

1. The FIL World Championship semifinals are set. With No. 1 seed Team USA and No. 2 seed Canada earning byes in the quarterfinals, we had two matchups to decide the final two spots in the semis.

Up first was arguably the most surprising team in the tournament, Puerto Rico, against the Iroquois Nationals. For Puerto Rico, the FIL World Championship was already success, but due to the organization’s associate member status, it was not allowed to compete for a medal entering the tournament. The FIL Board, with the prospect of Puerto Rico making the semis, voted Wednesday morning to allow the team to be eligible to medal.

Thus, we had a meaningful game on our hands. Puerto Rico jumped out to an early lead and the teams were tied 5-5 at half.

The Iroquois Nationals, though, continued to attack and pulled away late thanks to timely goals from Kyle Jackson and Ty Thompson, downing the underdogs 14-7 and advancing to face Canada.

FINAL: @IrqLax 14, @PuertoRicoLax 7.

Iroquois move on to face @CanadaLacrosse, Puerto Rico praised for deep run in @2018WorldLax: https://t.co/J2Wno0h4Zs pic.twitter.com/NqftystNG3

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) July 18, 2018

On the other side of the bracket, host Israel had a shot at advancing to the semifinals for the first time ever. However, the Australians stood in its way.

Just like Puerto Rico, Israel grabbed an early lead. But the Australians scored four of five goals out of halftime to take a 7-5 lead in the third quarter. Israel tried to claw back, with Max Seibald taking over in the fourth quarter.

.@maxseibald42 powers past @Cal10Rob for his second goal. @Israel_Lacrosse pulls within 8-6 with 5:30 left. Tune into ESPN+ if you can. pic.twitter.com/4suELRp7fV

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) July 18, 2018

However, the Australians held on by taking time off the clock on offense and playing timely defense, beating Israel 9-6 and advancing to face the U.S. today at 2 p.m.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie.

Oi, Oi, Oi. @laxaus moves on to the semifinals with a 9-6 win over host @Israel_Lacrosse. Will face @USAMLax tomorrow at 2 p.m. pic.twitter.com/qVPQg7CHYr

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) July 18, 2018

But for the hosts, this tournament was another step in building a future for lacrosse in Israel.

Click here for a full TV schedule for today.

2. MLL history will be made this weekend. With Denver Outlaws’ goalies Jack Kelly (Team USA) and Dillon Ward (Canada) competing in the FIL World Championships, there’s a void in between the pipes.

In steps Kaisuke Iwamoto, who will become the first Japanese player to compete in an MLL game. Iwamoto, the UC Irvine club alum who was born in Tokyo, will get the start against the Dallas Rattlers on Sunday.

Speaking of the Rattlers, they’ve only played 11 games, but it’s already starting to feel like home for many players that came from Rochester. With upgraded facilities and a passionate fan base, the Rattlers are enjoying themselves in Texas.

It doesn’t hurt that the team is 9-2, with help from U.S. national team stars Jordan Wolf and Joel White, and became the only team in the league to clinch a playoff spot.

3. ICYMI: Former Colgate coach Mike Murphy has joined on at the Hill School (Pa.) as its head coach.

Murphy resigned from his post at Colgate on June 19, but shared his thought on Twitter yesterday.

Jen, the kids & I would like 2 thank @ZackLehman & @TheHillSchool 4 entrusting us w/ the young men of @TheHillLacrosse. The support from friends, family & the lacrosse community is humbling. Huge thanks 2 @abbottlax & @judsonhall. Loyalty means something I am very proud of you 2 pic.twitter.com/9jYiyuRasi

— Mike Murphy (@LaxcoachMike) July 18, 2018

4. The Boston Storm moved to 3-1 on the UWLX season with an 11-8 win over the Baltimore Ride on Wednesday night in Bel Air, Md. Kayla Treanor highlighted the Storm effort, turning in five points.

The Philadelphia Force topped the defending champion Long Island Sound 12-10 in the second game on Wednesday to improve to 4-0. Alyssa Murray chipped in four goals to help the Force.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• The Sewanhaka High School men’s lacrosse program was always ahead of its time. They played box on the tennis courts and sent players to visit colleges — not to mention putting together a 91-game win streak from 1948-57. Remembering Sewanhaka after 80 years.

• Over a year after Lindenwood's Isaiah Kozak took his own life, coach Jimmy Lange tells the story of how the team is building from the tragedy and trying to abolish the stigma surrounding mental health.

• The best places to shop, eat and see in Charleston, S.C. during the MLL Championship weekend.

• Midland (Neb.) is adding men’s lacrosse as an official sport.

• American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) star Caitlyn Wurzburger earned the title of Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Lacrosse.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Isaac Paparo was not going to let this shot in the cage, so much so that he blocked it with his long pole.

Isaac Paparo was not going to let that ball go in. pic.twitter.com/KiEXVLvF8u

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) July 18, 2018

Uganda and Iroquois ran into each other on Wednesday and took part in a traditional song and dance. This is what the world championships are all about.

This is amazing @iroqnats2018 @UgandaLacrosse growing the game and spreading traditions of the #MedicineGame at @2018WorldLax (via @UgandaLAX) pic.twitter.com/Xqu4et9Y3L

— Lax Sports Network (@LaxSportsNet) July 18, 2018

When Australia and Israel matched up Wednesday, it brought two of the most passionate fan bases at the world championships together. Fun ensued. 

Isaac Paparo was not going to let that ball go in. pic.twitter.com/KiEXVLvF8u

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) July 18, 2018

Zoe Stukenberg shares her thoughts on why Maryland coach Cathy Reese is special.

"She wants you to have the best four years of your life...She cares about every single player that she has ever coached"

Why do you play for Cathy Reese? Zoe Stukenberg sums it up.#FearTheTurtle pic.twitter.com/fd0nDmnL4P

— Maryland Women's Lax (@MarylandWLax) July 18, 2018

WHAT’S ON TAP

• The FIL Men’s Lacrosse World Championships semifinals get underway today. Canada and Iroquois go at it at 11 a.m. ET, and the U.S. faces Australia at 2 p.m. ET.

• More on Wurzburger coming later today.

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