Dialed In: Your Lacrosse Fix for Tuesday, Jan. 31

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

1. Izzy Scane’s return looms large for fifth-ranked Northwestern.

Scane, a Tewaaraton finalist in 2021, sat out the 2022 season with a torn ACL. The prolific scorer’s return to the field in 2023 softens the blow of the graduations to Lauren Gilbert, Jill Girardi and Brennan Dwyer. The Wildcats, national semifinalists last season, also have question marks on defense and in the net. Justin Feil got some early answers from Kelly Amonte Hiller.

2. No. 5 Princeton set for 2023 after Final Four appearance last season.

The Tigers’ return to Memorial Day Weekend — their first Final Four since 2004 — highlighted the Ivy League’s return in 2022. Princeton ultimately fell to Maryland but enters 2023 at No. 5 in Nike/USA Lacrosse’s preseason rankings and with leading goal scorer Alex Slusher back in the lineup. But, on the other end of the field, the Tigers will have cleats to fill without last year’s starting goalie Erik Peters. Patrick Stevens has the Tigers’ preseason outlook.

3. ILWomen/IWLCA releases preseason Top 25.

Defending national champion North Carolina tops the ILWomen/IWLCA preseason rankings. Maryland, Boston College, Northwestern and Syracuse round out the top five. See the full poll. 

4. San Diego surges to the top spot in NLL Power Rankings.  

San Diego’s win over Colorado and last week’s No. 1 Rochester’s loss to Halifax pushed the Seals to the top of Jack Goods’ power rankings. The Rock moved from second to third, while Rochester tumbled to No. 3.  

WHAT WE’RE READING

• USA Lacrosse is coming to the the Pacific Northwest for Ignite the Future Portland, a new initiative that will bring a various events and resources to specific areas. Learn more.

• UVA’s Cole Kastner talked breakfast burritos and hoops with Kenny DeJohn for this month’s Give-and-Go.

• The Professional Box Lacrosse Association is canceling remaining games for 2023 and plans to reorganize, according to a report by Kyle Devitte.

• Castleton's Matia Gioeli discusses playing the game with chronic pain for the Mental Matchup.

• Inside Lacrosse discusses the weekend that was in the NLL.

• Not an article, just a quick reminder. College lacrosse returns this weekend. The GOAT, Paul Rabil, is excited.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

College lacrosse begins this weekend, but the 2023 World Championship is on the horizon. Now, the logo is here…it’s a beauty.

Drum roll, please…the logo for the 2023 World Lacrosse Men's Championship is here!

Don't miss out on the action. Join us in San Diego: https://t.co/gCjTpC59yP#WLMC | #SanDiego2023 pic.twitter.com/tR9HT27niG

— World Lacrosse (@WorldLacrosse) January 30, 2023

WHAT’S ON TAP

Previews of the No. 4 teams in Division I men’s and women’s lacrosse.

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