Dialed In: Your Lacrosse Fix for Wednesday, Feb. 8

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

1. It might be time to retire the Duke-in-February narrative.

Notorious for early-season slipups, the seventh-ranked Blue Devils played High Point on Tuesday night — an opponent and weeknight that have at times vexed them. Dyson Williams tied his career high with seven goals to lead Duke to a 20-8 victory at Koskinen Stadium.

SEVEN. GOALS. TONIGHT. @dwilliams_51 #GoDuke
ACCNX pic.twitter.com/ZGgRv0iJIK

— Duke Men's Lacrosse (@DukeMLAX) February 8, 2023

Williams, a senior, surpassed 100 career goals just three days after teammate Brennan O’Neill, a junior, became fastest player in Blue Devil history to reach the century mark in a similarly lopsided 19-7 win over Bellarmine. St. Lawrence transfer William Helm may have solidified his starting spot with 16 saves

2. The Big Ten Network announced its women’s lacrosse schedule, which will include at least 17 games on linear TV.

3. The Division II season also is underway. We broke down the preseason top 20 with a little something on every team in the men’s and women’s rankings.

4. Following a blockbuster trade, the Philadelphia Wings picked up a big win and climbed two spots in Jack Goods’ NLL power rankings.

5. Hummingbird Sports has recalled its headgear product for women’s lacrosse after reporting through the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) that it is no longer certified for play.  

WHAT WE’RE READING

• From our February edition, Matt Hamilton’s feature on “Big Red Wunderkind” Cornell Buczek, the 29-year-old head coach who was made for Ithaca.

• Stony Brook men’s lacrosse raised more than $10,000 for the program with Face-Off Night, a unique preseason alumni event. The Seawolves open the season Saturday at No. 10 Rutgers.

• Updated Vegas odds for the NCAA men’s lacrosse champion.

• Maryland lacrosse commit Henry Hasselbeck has received his first football offers, from UAB and Pitt.

• Ohio State lacrosse commit Bodie Kahoun received a football offer from Notre Dame. Multi-sport athletes for the win.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Brennan O’Neill spinning through three defenders like it’s no big deal.

Contact spin cycle finish

Yeah, this Brennan O’Neill guy is ready for a big 2023 pic.twitter.com/q9ttM6Dcty

— USA Lacrosse Magazine (@USALacrosseMag) February 8, 2023

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