Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Joe Flecther is back in pro lacrosse, joining the PLL’s Chrome, the league announced Wednesday.
Fletcher, a U.S. national team gold medalist, three-time All-Pro with the MLL’s New York Lizards and three-time All-American at Loyola, played 11 games in the MLL last season before and after the 2018 FIL World Championships. After a brief hiatus, Fletcher joins a Chrome defense that includes Joel White, BJ Grill and Ryan Flanagan.
We’re excited to welcome World Champion, 4x All-Pro and 3x All-American Joe Fletcher to the PLL!
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) June 26, 2019
Chrome Lacrosse Club has acquired Joe Fletcher from the Player Pool.@PLLChrome pic.twitter.com/R4nWNx48O1
2. William & Mary coach Hillary Fratzke is stepping down after six seasons at the helm of the Tribe program. Fratzke cited dedicating more time to her family as the reason for her departure.
Fratzke led the Tribe to a 29-67 record, including 4-30 in CAA play.
3. Liam Byrnes has been moving from one non-traditional lacrosse region to another since leaving Long Island after high school. From Marquette to the Florida Launch, and now with the Atlanta Blaze, Byrnes has helped grow the game and honed his skills in the process.
Now, he’s a lockdown defenseman in the MLL.
4. Middlebury took home its second Division III women’s title in four years, and could be poised to reach the top once again in 2020. The Panthers lead our Way-Early Division III Women’s Top 20.
Check out which other powers round of the top 5, released Wednesday.
5. Megan Taylor graces the cover of our July-August edition of the magazine. Here’s a sneak peek.
MARYLAND WOMEN'S LACROSSE
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) June 26, 2019
The dynasty you have to
Here's a sneak peek at our July/August cover, which features @MarylandWLax star and @Tewaaraton winner Megan Taylor. The edition should drop next week. pic.twitter.com/id7ukk5LlF
WHAT WE’RE READING
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Whipsnakes goalie Kyle Bernlohr writes about his passion for the game of lacrosse and his experiences in the PLL. Kyle Harrison also penned a piece for Sports Illustrated.
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Lacrosse is looking to pick up steam in Houston, as evidenced by the Pro Lacrosse Camps hosted in the area.
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The Calgary Roughnecks, fresh off an NLL title, are already preparing to repeat come 2020.
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The New Westminster community, and the Salmonbellies, are coming together to support Emily Goss, the daughter of general manager Warren Goss, who suffered a head injury after being hit by a car.
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Greg Gurenlian made a new friend in Cole Neville, who is battling Stage 2 cancer.
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U.S. national team star Kristen Carr is joining Amy Bokker’s staff as an assistant at Ohio State.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
The USA Select/WPLL Futures tryout process arrived at US Lacrosse headquarters earlier this week. Check out the highlights.
"If you want to wear the red, white and blue, you've got to have grit."
— US Lacrosse (@USLacrosse) June 26, 2019
Wise words from @LizRobertshaw, who led the U15 & U17 USA Select/WPLL Futures Tryouts at US Lacrosse HQ. Robertshaw and select coaches will travel the country looking for future stars of women's lacrosse. pic.twitter.com/avFVQUmGnQ
That’s one heck of a swim dodge.
Str8 filthpic.twitter.com/fPcbrF3YaV
— TLN (@LacrosseNetwork) June 27, 2019
US Lacrosse has entered into a new agreement with the Claire Marie Foundation to work together in reducing the diagnosis of melanoma among adolescents and young adults within the lacrosse community.
WHAT’S ON TAP
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The wave of way-early 2020 rankings continue with Paul Ohanian’s projected 10-6 for NCAA Division II women’s lacrosse.
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Jack Goods will have a feature on Chaos star Connor Fields
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