1. It’s a Whipsnakes repeat in Utah.
The top-seeded Whipsnakes entered the PLL Championship Game against a hot Chaos team on Sunday afternoon and struggled offensively for much of three quarters. Then, Zed Williams and the Whipsnakes offense came alive, scoring nine fourth-quarter goals to fuel a 12-6 comeback win over Chaos.
Williams, who finished as the Championship Series MVP, finished with six goals in the final game and 20 in the entire season. Kyle Bernlohr came up huge for Whipsnakes, making 16 saves in the championship effort.
Check out the full story on the Whips' second title.
2. Let’s break down Williams’ epic performance.
Down 6-3 in the fourth quarter, Williams kickstarted a rally that included goals from Jay Carlson and John Haus. Whipsnakes dropped four goals in 48 seconds to take the lead on Chaos, a rally that included this beautiful goal.
WE ARE NOT WORTHY OF ZED WILLIAMS pic.twitter.com/gSJioD9v82
— Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club (@PLLWhipsnakes) August 9, 2020
Williams added two more goals in the 9-0 run that helped turn a three-goal deficit into a six-goal victory. To no one’s surprise, Williams took home MVP honors, and he shared an emotional dedication to his late father in his celebratory interview.
“This one’s for my dad.” pic.twitter.com/tvdH8GXlS5
— Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club (@PLLWhipsnakes) August 9, 2020
3. Blaze Riorden was stellar in a losing effort.
Riorden, who led the league in saves entering Sunday’s PLL Championship Game, was on pace for MVP consideration before the Whipsnakes' eventual comeback. Riorden finished the game with 14 saves, including some at point-blank range.
BLAZE RIORDEN pic.twitter.com/4JYCimobBq
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) August 9, 2020
Riorden finished the Championship Series with 119 saves and stopped 61 percent of his shots.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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A great read from our Nelson Rice on PLL referee Matty Palumb, whose down-to-Earth approach and banter with players made him one of the most respected people in the Championship Series.
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Charlotte DeSantos and Sam Burgunder were named US Lacrosse Impact Athletes.
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Lacrosse All Stars present 13 Championship plays that fueled the Whipsnakes’ 2020 title.
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Whipsnakes coach Jim Stagnitta reflects on growing up in the East Syracuse area.
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The Ontario Junior A Lacrosse League approved a measure to extend the age limit to under-22 for the season starting in 2021.
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Temple women’s lacrosse announces the addition of transfer Shana Hecht from Sacred Heart and two returners to the 2021 roster.
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Navy women’s lacrosse announces the promotion of Kelly Devlin to associate head coach.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Josh Byrne was up to his usual tricks in the PLL title game.
We’re all still thinking it.
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) August 9, 2020
How did @Joshbyrne94 pull this off?@PLLChaos lead 3-2 after 1Q. pic.twitter.com/NWfscby1Ph
Joe Nardella gives a great postgame interview after winning the title.
"This is for all the people who made sacrifices to get us here to this point. All the people back home cheering us on."@JNardss pic.twitter.com/TIZ9e2KtPP
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) August 9, 2020
WHAT’S ON TAP
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A feature on U19 women's and Duke star Maddie Jenner on the one-year anniversary of the U.S. national team's gold-medal win.
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Stay tuned to @USA_WLAX for more coverage from the one-year anniversary.