Dialed In: Your Lacrosse Fix for Thursday, June 29

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

1. The U.S. men’s national team is on to the semifinals.

There was very little doubt against Israel Wednesday night. After the score was tied at 2 early, the U.S. offense exploded for a 19-3 win.

In the victory, Rob Pannell passed Mark Millon as the all-time leading scorer in U.S. men’s national team history. The U.S. plays fourth-seeded Australia in the semifinals on Thursday.

More here.

2. Jesse Bernhardt officially has dad strength.

Bernhardt’s son was born in the early hours Wednesday morning while he was out in San Diego competing with the U.S. men’s national team. It was a sacrifice that he and his wife made so that Bernhardt can chase gold.

This World Lacrosse Men’s Championship means a ton to Bernhardt for several reasons.

More here.

3. The IWLCA announced its coaching staff of the year recipients.

The NCAA championship coaching staffs in Divisions I, II and III were unsurprisingly chosen, while SCAD Savannah’s staff earned the NAIA recognition after a major turnaround from a slow start.

More here.

4. Rutgers All-American Meghan Ball is transferring to Maryland.

Ball confirmed her decision to the Testudo Times. Ball is Rutgers’ all-time leader in caused turnovers and draw controls.

More here.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• South Boys’ Player of the Year Caden Harshbarger, a North Carolina commit, is a true throwback — a two-way midfielder.

• South Girls’ Player of the Year Alex Dorr, a Denver commit, always believed American Heritage-Delray (Fla.) could win a state championship. Her otherworldly season made it possible.

• A Georgia high school coach is encouraging his players to express themselves through using lacrosse sticks and balls as tools to splatter paint.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Connor Kelly was the player of the game for the U.S. yesterday, leaving defensemen in his wake.

Dropping defenders and stinging corners. The @connor21kelly story. pic.twitter.com/rUyVueF2Xk

— U.S. Men's National Team (@USAMLax) June 29, 2023

WHAT’S ON TAP

We’ll unveil the USA Lacrosse Midwest players of the year.

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