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

1. Lacrosse is growing in the Midwest.

Augustana Athletics announced earlier this week that it would add women’s lacrosse beginning in the 2023-24 academic year, making it the first college in South Dakota to add a lacrosse program at any competitive level. The Vikings will compete in Division II.

The university’s Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 plan is focused on providing students with increased opportunities and fueling enrollment growth, prompting the addition of its 22^nd varsity sport.

More here.

2. More growth in the women’s game is coming in Wisconsin.

UW-Stout announced Wednesday it will add women’s lacrosse and begin competition in the spring of 2023 at the Division III level.

A national search for a coach will begin “immediately.”

More here.

3. Joe Spallina is staying at Stony Brook.

Spallina, who has taken the Seawolves to three NCAA quarterfinals in the past four tournaments, signed a contract extension through the end of 2026. The university announced the extension on Wednesday.

The Seawolves own the longest winning streak against conference opponents of any NCAA team sport, winning 54 times in a row against America East teams.

More here.

4. We check in with new Villanova head coach Jill Batcheller.

After leaving Drexel following an historic season, Batcheller is fulfilling a lifelong dream working at Villanova — and the longtime program builder sees limitless potential in the Wildcats.

More here.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• A TryLax Grant from USA Lacrosse is allowing young players in Henry County, Georgia, to experience lacrosse for the first time.

• The story behind the 10-year evolution in women’s lacrosse headgear, by Paul Ohanian.

• Liz Hogan, who has trained with the U.S. national team since 2012, with tips on how goalies can stop low shots.

• Chris Rosenthall of Inside Lacrosse adds more perspective on Chaos LC’s PLL championship.

• Can Penn State bounce back in 2022? Lacrosse Bucket’s Tanner Demling examines the Nittany Lions.

• The Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Board of Control voted against sponsoring boys’ and girls’ lacrosse championships this spring.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

The fall ball highlight tapes should be coming in fast as official fall practices begin. The Maryland women with the latest.

Everyone's four favorite words...

THE TERPS ARE BACK pic.twitter.com/NbdswrIlgt

— Maryland Women's Lacrosse (@MarylandWLax) September 22, 2021

WHAT’S ON TAP

• We'll look at Villanova's women's lacrosse squad under new head coach Jill Batcheller as part of our Fall Ball Focus series.

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