Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. 11 days. That’s how long we have until the first Division I lacrosse games of 2021. Yet more pertinent than any on-field question is what exactly the college lacrosse season will look like.
US Lacrosse Magazine contributor Justin Feil provided detailed updates on where every conference stands. It’s the ultimate resource for those looking for a little more clarity.
More here.
Twelve days out from the first known scheduled game of 2021, most NCAA Division I men’s and women’s teams are still finalizing their schedules.@JustinFeil has put together the ultimate resource for where every single conference stands as of today.https://t.co/rwNuOs3Gxr
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) January 18, 2021
2. Although Army did not benefit from NCAA’s extension of eligibility in the wake of last season’s cancelation, Joe Alberici and the Black Knights are more focused on the talent they still do have. That includes junior attackman Brendan Nichtern—who one rival coach said might garner some votes for offensive player of the year.
Learn more about the No. 15 team in the Nike/US Lacrosse Preseason Top 20.
When the Black Knight slays the Night King in the @PatriotLeague playoffs.
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) January 19, 2021
Here's what should worry anyone who crosses @ArmyWP_MLax: Brendan Nichtern, the youngest in school history to put up 100 points in a season, is only getting better.
TEAM PREVIEW: https://t.co/mOlkhYqFMK pic.twitter.com/Ld3pv6hc4D
3. In an offseason characterized by upheaval, the Duke women’s lacrosse team picked right up where it left off when players returned to Durham last August. Still, the team isn’t a carbon copy of 2020, having added Penn graduate transfer Gabby Rosenzweig.
The Blue Devils check in at No. 16 in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Women’s Preseason Top 20.
4. Teams, players and coaches alike paid respect and offered thanks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Last March our team took a trip to the National Civil Rights Museum. It was a powerful trip. The events that transpired after in our country made the trip that much more significant. I say it every year:
— Nat St. Laurent (@NatStLaurentPLL) January 18, 2021
Thank you Dr. King for having a dream so I could live mine! pic.twitter.com/HPkMnmuRku
Today, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
— US Lacrosse (@USLacrosse) January 18, 2021
As we reflect on his legacy, let us strive to live by his example and leave this world a better place for those to come.
We encourage you to volunteer in your lacrosse community in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pic.twitter.com/WAl9H27ob8
A man who devoted his life to creating a fairer world. Thank you, MLK. pic.twitter.com/1ZGP3LILzH
— Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club (@PLLWhipsnakes) January 18, 2021
5. More teams commenced practices as the 2021 season draws closer. Others cheered them on and hoped to join soon.
Great to be back on field today! #OneRichmond pic.twitter.com/caSXqshVuM
— Richmond Lacrosse (@SpiderMLAX) January 18, 2021
Day 1
— Army M.Lacrosse (@ArmyWP_MLax) January 18, 2021
It felt good to be back! #GoArmy | #FamilyToughnessTradition pic.twitter.com/Ss6AoG8EBx
I’m not a jealous person but damn it I am JEALOUS of all the programs that got to practice lacrosse today! Just know how lucky you are to be together and play this great game. I’m rooting for a successful start for each and every team, and I hope we’re not far behind you!
— Casey D'Annolfo (@CoachDAnnolfo) January 19, 2021
WHAT WE’RE READING
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While Tufts boasts a legendary lineage of attackman, Jonathan Sigal explains why US Lacrosse Magazine Division III preseason player of the year Mac Bredahl could surpass them all.
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The High Point men’s team named nine captains for 2021, including senior attackman Asher Nolting.
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The Michigan Daily details fifth-year attacker Nadine Stewart’s path from British Columbia to playing for the maize and blue that included box lacrosse and boys’ teams.
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Syracuse.com talks with Le Moyne fifth-year standouts Matt Hutchings and Olivia McEntee, U.S. Lacrosse Magazine’s DII preseason defender of the year, about the past year and their outlook for each of their teams in 2021.
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The Journal Pioneer profiles 11-year year NLL veteran Stephan Leblanc, who signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Halifax Thunderbirds last summer and is one of the few players on the team who makes Halifax his home.
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Kylie Primeau, daughter of former Philadelphia Flyers captain and 15-year NHL veteran Keith Primeau, was named the head coach of Holy Spirit (N.J.) High School girls’ lacrosse team.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Premier Lacrosse League players and founding members of the Black Lacrosse Alliance, Kyle Harrison, Jules Heningburg and Romar Dennis paid tribute to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
On this #MLKDay, our players pay tribute to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. We’re inspired by his relentless courage, spirit and fight for justice and equality.
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) January 18, 2021
Thank you, Dr. King. pic.twitter.com/g6GZRGOtok
WHAT’S ON TAP
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Our preseason Nike/US Lacrosse rankings countdown continues with our No. 14 teams — the UMass men and USC women.