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

1. The NLL announced Monday that it will expand the playoff field to eight teams, effective for the 2018-19 season. The move now includes all but three teams in the postseason, a decision aimed at the further expansion of the league.

With new franchises in Halifax and New York coming, and the addition of Philadelphia and San Diego this season, the playoff field was expanded from six teams.

2. Noelle Lambert gave us the top moment of 2018. On April 7, she returned to the field for the first time since the moped accident that led to her losing her leg 2016.

If that feat wasn't enough, she scored a goal just before halftime of a blowout win over Hartford. We share Noelle’s heroic story in the December edition of the magazine.

3. Inside Lacrosse released its Preseason Division I Men’s All-American teams as part of its Face-off Yearbook. The First Team features a trio of offensive stars — Pat Spencer, Jeff Teat and Michael Sowers — who could compete for a Tewaaraton in 2019.

Sophomore Chris Fake (the only underclassmen) joins stalwarts Patrick Foley and Johnny Surdick on the defense. Albany transfer TD Ierlan gives the defending champs a second preseason First Team All-American.

First Team

Attack- Pat Spencer, Sr., Loyola

Attack- Jeff Teat, Jr., Cornell

Attack- Michael Sowers, Jr., Princeton

Midfield- Dox Aitken, Jr., Virginia

Midfield- Brad Smith, Sr., Duke

Midfield- Bryan Costabile, Jr., Notre Dame

Faceoff- TD Ierlan, Jr., Yale

SSDM- Zach Goodrich, Sr., Towson

LSM/D- Craig Chick, Sr., Lehigh

Defenseman- Chris Fake, So., Yale

Defenseman- Patrick Foley, Sr., Johns Hopkins

Defenseman- Johnny Surdick, Sr., Army

Goalie- Alex Heger, Sr., Robert Morris

Goalie- Nick Washuta, Jr., Vermont

4. US Lacrosse is boosting its efforts to help protect athletes from sexual abuse. In addition to partnering with U.S. Center for SafeSport to provide mandatory sexual abuse training for US Lacrosse member coaches, US Lacrosse announced that all member coaches would undergo an NCSI criminal background screening.

Read more on US Lacrosse's efforts and investments in the SafeSport program.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• Adam Ghitelman, an assistant at Utah, just completed a road trip across the Northwest helping spread the game with the Give & Go Foundation.

• College Crosse previews Saint Joseph’s 2019 schedule.

• Three thoughts from Calgary Roughnecks coach Curt Malawsky following the team’s loss to Vancouver.

• Richmond men’s lacrosse releases its 2019 schedule.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Paul Rabil shares with us his birthday workout (with special guest Jay Dyer). Warning: Sweat ensues.

England midfielder Laura Merrifield gives her thoughts on the FIL’s provisional recognition by the IOC.

Athletes from around the World are excited about FIL's provisional recognition by the IOC. Hear from @englacrosse's Midfielder, Laura Merrifield as she talks about the decision by the IOC and the sport of Lacrosse. #growthegame @LaxAllStars pic.twitter.com/lTC3NpmTiy

— FILacrosse (@FILacrosse) December 17, 2018

WHAT’S ON TAP

• Return to uslaxmagazine.com later today to read about the best lacrosse moments from 2018.

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