Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. LaxCon was lit.
The national lacrosse community convened over the weekend in Baltimore for the USA Lacrosse Convention — a platform to connect the sport’s brightest minds and most forward-thinking leaders with thousands of eager coaches and officials. That’s not to mention the annual Fan Fest, an opportunity for youth and high school players to rub shoulders with their idols and see the latest lacrosse gear and tech.
Scenes from Day of #LaxCon2022
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 15, 2022
We can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wZCtHTASQD
The fundamentals of the Extra-Man Offense, as told by @Ryan_Boyle14
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 15, 2022
The National Lacrosse Hall of Famer took them to school this morning. pic.twitter.com/O23EKPxsO8
Connections made.
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 15, 2022
Friends reunited.
Amazing things happen when the lacrosse community comes together.
Images from Saturday at #LaxCon2022. pic.twitter.com/l1UKwsS7Ad
Give them the YES QUEEN
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 14, 2022
Former @UMassLacrosse star Caitlyn Petro breaks down draw tactics in an easy-to-understand way. #LaxCon2022 pic.twitter.com/UAU2SKYgZl
Over 60 officials at today’s round table. Blown away by the insight, discussion and genuine desire to learn. Thanks so much to all who attended! #Laxcon2022 pic.twitter.com/cPfnUkpJIv
— Greg Gurenlian (@GregBeast32) January 14, 2022
This is a MUST listen.
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 15, 2022
We’re in the presence of a legend of the game. pic.twitter.com/n7MdvL0Bbg
First Stick Program
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 15, 2022
Sankofa Clinic Series
National Celebrate Lacrosse Week
USA Lacrosse CEO @MarcRiccio21 outlines our strategy for reinvesting in growing the game in diverse communities. #LaxCon2022 pic.twitter.com/sfMoVNH4lL
Let us tell you about Harper.
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 16, 2022
Harper is @kylieohlmiller’s biggest fan. She got in line times just to see Kylie during her autograph session, wearing a beanie and sunglasses the third time so no one would notice.
Harper is what makes #LaxCon so special. pic.twitter.com/jv3QVWscz0
— USA Lacrosse (@USA_Lacrosse) January 16, 2022
For everyone that came out to learn about this great game.
For the presenters willing to share their knowledge.
You helped bring back the excitement that comes with #LaxCon2022. pic.twitter.com/MZtHGjdy8W
The convention will be back in Baltimore next year.
2. NLL Week 7 did not disappoint. All five games were decided by two goals or fewer, including four one-goal games.
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Buffalo Bandits forward Josh Byrne continued a scorching start to the season with two goals and five assists in a 12-10 win over the Georgia Swarm on Friday. Byrne has 25 points in four games for the Bandits, who are 4-0.
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Despite missing nine players due to COVID-19 protocols and starting a rookie goalie for the second straight week, the San Diego Seals keep winning. They notched their fourth straight victory Friday, defeating the Saskatchewan Rush 12-11 on Friday.
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Panther City Lacrosse Club picked up the first win in franchise history. Rookie Patrick Dodds scored in overtime to lift Panther City to a 13-12 win Saturday over the New York Riptide, who erased a six-goal deficit in the second half to force OT.
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Joe Resetarits (three goals, three assists) and Andrew Kew (two goals, four assists) had six points apiece and the Albany Firewolves held off a late charge by the Philadelphia Wings to win 9-8 on Saturday.
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The Halifax Thunderbirds remained undefeated, outlasting the Toronto Rock 13-12 in overtime Saturday. Austin Shanks scored five goals, including the tying tally to send the game to overtime, and added three assists in his first full game of the season. Stephen Leblanc won it in OT.
3. We’re down to the top 10.
USA Lacrosse Magazine’s preseason countdown this week will drill down on teams ranked 6-10 in the Nike/USA Lacrosse Top 20 for Division I men’s and women’s lacrosse.
From Friday, here are the previews on the No. 11-ranked Lehigh men and Virginia women.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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How Atlas midfielder and U.S. hopeful Bryan Costabile loads up and uncorks one the game’s deadliest shots on the run.
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Syracuse men’s lacrosse coach Gary Gait says he’s still gathering information about the groundbreaking name, image and likeness deal recruit Joey Spallina has inked with Gait Lacrosse, his brother’s company.
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Two Brown men’s lacrosse players accused separately of sexual assault are suing the university, GoLocalProv reports. Neither the players nor the women who filed the complaints were named in the report.
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Inside Lacrosse reports on 3Step Sports’ rapidly expanding lacrosse club and tournament portfolio and what its acquisitions mean for the sport.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Both Joey Spallina and his father, Stony Brook women’s lacrosse coach and U.S. assistant coach Joe Spallina, were on hand at LaxCon and both were interviewed by Lax Sports Network regarding the historic NIL agreement with Gait Lacrosse.
So what will it be like playing with your two brothers at @CuseMLAX and how 'bout that NIL deal with @gaitlaxofficial?
— Lax Sports Network (@LaxSportsNet) January 16, 2022
#1 2022 Recruit @SpallinaJoey sat down with @TomEschenJr at @USA_Lacrosse's #laxcon2022. pic.twitter.com/sOJL5hoB0O
"We want that." That's what @StonyBrookWLAX's @JoeSpallina told @TomEschenJr when asked about @BCwlax's National Championship. Spallina also talked about his son @SpallinaJoey's recent deal with @gaitlaxofficial. @USA_Lacrosse #LaxCon2022 pic.twitter.com/OiaAsHshAT
— Lax Sports Network (@LaxSportsNet) January 16, 2022