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

1. Pat Spencer has been the star for Loyola ever since he stepped foot on campus in 2016. He’s one of the leaders for the Greyhounds, who advanced to the final four during his freshman season but haven’t made it back since.

Now in his senior season, Spencer and the rest of his teammates know it’s championship or bust. With a lineup that remains mostly intact, Loyola could very well make a run at an NCAA title in 2019.

2. Kylie Ohlmiller and Courtney Murphy are not coming back to Stony Brook. It’s a new era for the Seawolves, who failed to reach the final four last season despite lofty expectations.

But don’t mistake this team for taking a step back. Coach Joe Spallina believes the same goals can be achieved with the 2019 version of Stony Brook.

3. Dom Starsia has the secret to building strong team chemistry and culture — or at least his secret. In an article posted to USLaxMagazine.com from the legend, Starsia shares that honesty is the key ingredient to successful teams.

He reflected on a recent trip to Missouri, when he was asked about the most important characteristic for individual leadership. That got him thinking about what made up great teams, in general.

“The formula for success — the ‘secret sauce’ that created an environment for those leaders to influence their teammates — was honesty among all the participants," he said.

4. Since Lars Tiffany arrived in Charlottesville, the Virginia offense has been high-powered. The offense, now led by Dox Aitken, Michael Kraus and Ryan Conrad, has become the Cavaliers' identity. 

However, if No. 5 Virginia wants to compete for the final four in 2019, it will have to get a strong effort on the defensive side of the field.

5. James Madison enters 2019 as the defending national champions, but without many of the pieces that made it happen. A strong senior class said goodbye after leading the Dukes to glory.

However, sophomores Molly Dougherty and Charlotte Haggerty have stepped up to fill those voids. Each was invited to play with Team USA at the IWLCA President’s Cup this fall. 

Pair Dougherty and Haggerty with captains Hanna Haven and Caroline Sdanowich, and James Madison could succeed again this season.

6. The Albany men's lacrosse headshots are here! Enjoy the greatest headshots in all of lacrosse, back for another year.

They’re here! @UAlbanyMLax annual unique team profile photos : @UAlbanySports pic.twitter.com/Y2gUf8JwYk

— Lax Sports Network (@LaxSportsNet) January 29, 2019

WHAT WE’RE READING

• John Maloney, a 2016 graduate of Albany, is excited to be back on campus as an assistant coach, running the Great Danes defense.

• In case you’ve missed it during the lead-up to the past three Super Bowls, Chris Hogan once played lacrosse against Patriots assistant (and Bill’s son) Stephen Belichick while in college.

• Yale faces a daunting 2019 schedule, meeting four NCAA tournament teams and a strong Penn State program.

• Parents will meet to discuss the potential for creating a lacrosse league in Milton (Fla.).

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Members of the St. Bonaventure men’s lacrosse team are honoring 8-year-old Tucker Williams, who lost his life to cancer in 2014.

Eight-year-old Tucker Williams lost his battle with cancer in December of 2014, but his legacy through the #BraverThanBrave campaign lives on and carries special meaning for members of the Bonnies Lacrosse team. pic.twitter.com/BTrnjTZfS5

— Bonnies Men's Lacrosse (@BonniesMLAX) January 29, 2019

Taylor Smyth sits down with Maryland coach John Tillman ahead of the Terps' season.

WATCH: Coach Tillman previewed the season ahead yesterday at Spring Sports Media Day. Only four days until we open up our 2019 campaign #BeTheBest pic.twitter.com/qTMwVLIy7u

— Maryland Lacrosse (@TerpsMLax) January 29, 2019

WHAT’S ON TAP

• Lacrosse community, we have a big announcement coming your way later today. Stay tuned to our social channels for more.

• Stay tuned for more NCAA previews as we hit the top five of the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Men’s and Women’s Preseason Top 20 before the exciting action this weekend. 

• Subscribe today to our weekly email newsletter and stay connected to each week's top lacrosse stories. The newsletter goes out every Thursday.

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