Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. The pandemic’s impact on college lacrosse promises to extend at least into 2021, as it becomes increasingly apparent that the format and structure of competition will be different than what we’ve come to expect of a traditional season.
The NCAA announced Wednesday that the Division II Presidents Council voted to reduce — for next year only — the maximum number of contests allowed in 21 sports. In men’s and women’s lacrosse, the cap was lowered from 17 to 13 games. The division’s highest governing body also voted to reduce the minimum number of contests needed for sport sponsorship and championships selection by 33 percent.
Many changes also stand to be made at the conference level. Yahoo Sports reported Wednesday that seven Atlantic 10 Conference sports — including women’s lacrosse — will have condensed, regionalized seasons with postseason tournaments reduced to four teams.
2. Some good news from the NCAA: College lacrosse teams continue to excel in the classroom. Women’s lacrosse is tied for first among all sports and men’s lacrosse came in third among men’s sports in the NCAA’s annual Academic Progress Rate (APR) report.
3. Saint Joseph’s goalie Mike Adler has added to Duke’s incredible offseason haul, confirming with US Lacrosse Magazine on Wednesday that he plans to use his extra year of eligibility to play for the Blue Devils in 2021. A three-year starter for the Hawks, Adler entered the NCAA transfer portal in March and was arguably the top goalie available.
Duke had already landed the most highly coveted transfer in Tewaaraton Award frontrunner Michael Sowers (Princeton) and an elite faceoff specialist in Dan O’Connell (Holy Cross), according to reports.
4. Major League Lacrosse teams continue to lock up their draft picks. The latest in a steady stream of player signings:
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The Denver Outlaws inked goalie Nick Washuta, a second-round selection out of Vermont.
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The New York Lizards signed long-stick midfielder Tommy Wright, a third-round pick out of Penn State.
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The Connecticut Hammerheads secured third-round selection Michael Brown, a versatile midfielder/long pole out of Brown.
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The Chesapeake Bayhawks signed goalie Sam Lucchesi, a fourth-round pick out of Hobart.
5. Redwoods LC of the Premier Lacrosse League officially signed its two draft picks, coach Nat St. Laurent tweeted Wednesday. The Woods inked faceoff specialist Peyton Smith, a first-round pick out of Marist, and defenseman Chris Price, a second-round pick out of High Point.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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About the great work of CityLax and the advent of the CityLax Senior Classic.
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An inspiring letter to the late Sarah Devens, as penned by Cornell’s Sophie Ward.
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Phil Shore’s team preview of MLL’s Denver Outlaws.
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Takeaways from Pat Spencer’s appearance on “Overtime” with Paul Carcaterra.
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An oral history of “The Greatest Comeback,” UMass’ 2006 NCAA quarterfinal win over Hofstra that sent the Minutemen to their first final four.
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About Zoom workouts and virtual connections with Norwell (Mass.) girls’ lacrosse.
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About the Randolph (N.J.) girls’ lacrosse team’s sweet gesture for frontline workers.
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An entertaining Q&A with Washington College men’s lacrosse coach Jeff Shirk.
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Why Dave Pietramala felt his time at Johns Hopkins had run its course.
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Why prized recruit Connor Shellenberger believes he’ll benefit from redshirting at UVA.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
The PLL’s ode to the high school class of 2020. Check out the PLL or the hashtag #VirtualSeniorDay on Twitter for the individual players’ messages to their alma maters.
Happy #VirtualSeniorDay!
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) May 20, 2020
A message from our players to the Class of 2020! pic.twitter.com/iQ8xvFYBWD
WHAT’S ON TAP
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US Lacrosse announces the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame Class of 2020.
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Phil Shore previews MLL’s New York Lizards.
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Matt Hamilton catches up with Charlie Bertrand and Mitch Wykoff, whose small-college roots run deep as they grow into prominent roles on two of the most storied Division I programs in college men’s lacrosse history.