Professional PLL
06:00 PM
Jul 19
Phi
Den
Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Liz Robertshaw, the former U.S. women’s national team assistant, will not be returning as Boston University women's lacrosse head coach after 15 years with the program, including 12 at the helm.
"On behalf of Boston University, I would like to thank Liz Robertshaw for her service to the women's lacrosse program and to the department," said director of athletics Drew Marrochello. "Liz is an exceptionally passionate and committed coach who has done so much for the sport of women's lacrosse. We wish her the very best."
She recorded a 129-92 overall record, including a 61-24 in-conference mark, which featured winning seasons in nine of 12 seasons and four America East championships. Robertshaw also won two World Cup gold medals with Team USA.
"I would like to thank BU for giving me my first head-coaching opportunity and affording me the privilege of interacting with so many amazing people during my tenure," said Robertshaw. "Boston University and the BU women's lacrosse family will always hold a very special place in my heart and I look forward to watching the program find success in the years to come."
#ThankYouLiz pic.twitter.com/rPgKlbD102
— BU Womens Lacrosse (@TerrierLacrosse) May 29, 2018
I love this woman with my entire heart. I’m not the only one to say I would not be where or who I am without her #ThankYouLiz https://t.co/MwWvq0Nstn
— Sarah Dalton (@UVMcoachdalton) May 29, 2018
Liz gave me my first opportunity in coaching. She was an amazing example of passion, loyalty, and competitiveness on and off the field. She was a fantastic mentor and even better friend. #iuLiz @LizRobertshaw @TerrierLacrosse https://t.co/T72Bi5hEhh
— Katie Powell (@KRPowell10) May 29, 2018
Good luck to @LizRobertshaw and thanks for being such an accessible and engaging coach. Always appreciated. https://t.co/t4iYWoqICd
— Kevin Gehl (@GehlTales) May 29, 2018
@LizRobertshaw you inspired me into service - as well as many many others. Thank you for all you have done & continue to do for our great game! #somuchlove https://t.co/7xmiDlTJ6d
— GVSU Womens Lacrosse (@GVSUWLAX) May 30, 2018
2. Championship weekend was one for the ages, when fans saw five first-time champions – James Madison (Division I women), Yale (Division I men), Merrimack (Division II men), Wesleyan (Division III men) and Le Moyne (Division II women) – and a repeat champion in Gettysburg (Division III women).
Catch up on all the coverage below.
DIVISION I MEN
The Uncomfortable Truth: Blue-Collar Bulldogs Built for this Moment
Gaudet Responds to Shay’s Challenge, Delivers MOP Performance
Yale Holds Off Duke to Win First NCAA Championship
DIVISION I WOMEN
Dukes Embrace Underdog Mentality to Make History as National Champions
James Madison’s Haley Warden Just Became a Household Name
James Madison Defeats Boston College for NCAA Championship
DIVISION II MEN
Relentless: Merrimack’s Offense Fuels First Division II Championship
DIVISION II WOMEN
The Wait is Over: Le Moyne Wins National Championship
DIVISION III MEN
Every Challenge Answered: Wesleyan Downs Salisbury for First DIII Title
DIVISION III WOMEN
Bullets Raise the Barr to Claim Second Straight NCAA Title
Gettysburg Repeats as NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Champion
3. The Hill Academy (Ontario) repeats as the GEICO Lacrosse Nationals champion thanks to seven goals from Georgetown commit Dylan Watson in a 15-12 victory over Salisbury (Conn.) on Tuesday. Watson earned his second consecutive MVP honor.
“He’s got a really calm, steady, confident demeanor,” The Hill coach Brodie Merrill told USA Today. “But he’s a sniper and he scores in bunches. Over the course of the year, he’s been our most consistent scorer.”
Prior to Tuesday high school action, Half Hollow Hills East (N.Y.) and West Genesee (N.Y.) each climbed six spots to No. 16 and No. 18, respectively, in the Nike/US Lacrosse High School Boys’ National Top 25.
In the Nike/US Lacrosse High Girls’ National Top 25, Mount Sinai (N.Y.) and Northport (N.Y.) entered the top 10 after advancing in the state playoffs.
The Brine/US Lacrosse Girls’ and Warrior/US Lacrosse Boys’ high school players of the week were also announced Tuesday.
Take a look back on tonight’s Championship win! #1845HillPride pic.twitter.com/c3Ue8oAB9Y
— Hill Lacrosse (@Hill_Lacrosse) May 30, 2018
4. The MLL’s Charlotte Hounds earned a season series sweep of defending league champion Ohio with a 14-12 victory to stay undefeated at home, much in part thanks to Michael Ehrhardt’s last-second caused turnover and Matt Rambo’s five goals.
Plus, Dallas defeated Florida 19-13 and MLL stars were following the NCAA final four on social media over the weekend, including Lizards faceoff specialist Jerry Ragonese and former teammate and U.S. specialist Greg Gurenlian.
5. The NLL’s Saskatchewan Rush showed its resilience on defense with goalie Evan Kirk leading the way in its 16-9 win over Rochester in the opening game of the best-of-three league final.
“The defense was our backbone and [goalie Evan] Kirk was excellent,” said Rush coach Derek Keenan, whose defense has been ranked No. 1 for three straight years.