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

1. The NCAA Division II women’s tournament takes center stage today with a semifinal doubleheader in Bloomsburg, Pa. Enjoy an early lunch at 11 a.m. as North Region top-seed Adelphi takes on second-seeded Le Moyne, anchored by dancing, fun-loving freshman goalie Hannah George. That’s followed at 3 p.m. with a 1-2 South Region matchup between Lindenwood and Florida Southern, the type of game the Mocs prepare for by scheduling tough non-league foes during the regular season.

Today’s winners will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday in the championship game at Bloomsburg University (full bracket).

2. Much can be learned from the story of Albany faceoff midfielder TD Ierlan, who will lead the Great Danes against top-seeded Maryland Sunday in an NCAA quarterfinal in Newark, Del. The freshman credited his experience as a high school wrestler in helping his development as a faceoff player, whose 72.5 percentage ranks second in the NCAA this season. Ierlan persevered through several denials during the recruiting process.

3. Speaking of learning, Maryland’s Zoe Stukenberg offers another lesson: never stop. The Tewaaraton Award finalist participated in the US Lacrosse Officials Development Program and officiated youth games in part to better understand the sport. She’s a tireless learner in the classroom and was awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor for proficiency in athletics and scholastic work. She’ll lead the top-seeded Terps against eighth-seeded Albany Sunday in an NCAA quarterfinal at home.

4. The Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Associations released its Division II All-Americans yesterday., The IWLCA will honor the 48 players at a June 3 banquet in Hunt Valley, Md., following its all-star games earlier in the day at Tierney Field. Of the 16 first-teamers, 12 play for either Adelphi, Florida Southern, Le Moyne or Lindenwood, the semifinalists in the NCAA tournament.

5. Tough way for seniors of two traditionally strong high school teams to go out, as Chaminade (N.Y.), ranked No. 14 in this week’s Nike/US Lacrosse Boys’ National Top 25, and No. 21 St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) had their Catholic High School Athletic Association Class AAA championship game canceled as part of sanctions against St. Anthony’s for using an ineligible player this season. The Friars self-reported the violation this week, and the CHSAA declared the Flyers the champions. St. Anthony’s forfeits all games this season, and officially ends it with an 0-15 record.

What We're Reading

  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has designated this week as National Prevention Week to increase the public’s awareness of substance use disorders. US Lacrosse has published a blog on the young athlete’s entry into prescription drug abuse, arguably a must-read for parents.

  • "Without the game of lacrosse, I’d be dead or in jail." The Chicago Tribune profiles Evanston Township (Ill.) boys’ lacrosse coach and former Rochester Rattler Justin Porter, who teaches the sport and everything good about it to the Wildkits.

  • More inspiration for young people fighting adversity, or in Clint Allred's case, cancer. Read or watch this story by KTVX-TV's Dana Greene on the Herriman (Utah) senior defenseman.

What We're Watching

US Lacrosse, which runs the national teams that compete each year for a Federation of International Lacrosse championship, yesterday debuted part three of Chasing Rings, a behind-the-scenes look at 2017 U.S. women's team. The squad will compete in the FIL World Cup in July in England.

 

What's On Tap

“DIALED IN” IS POSTED DAILY MONDAY-FRIDAY AT 8 A.M. EASTERN ON USLAXMAGAZINE.COM.