Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Major upset in Durham.
We’re less than a week into the college lacrosse season, and we already have our first major result. High Point traveled to No. 2 Duke and knocked off the Blue Devils 13-9.
The feeling when you beat the No. 2 team in the nation! #GoHPU #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/PnLklnJ6QV
— High Point Lacrosse (@HPUMensLax) February 7, 2019
How did it happen? Goalie Tim Troutner Jr. stood tall in net for High Point, tallying 19 saves to stymie the Duke offense throughout the night.
Chris Young, who had four goals to lead the Panthers, and Ben Baker helped the visitors jump out to a 2-0 lead early in the first quarter. High Point had five different scorers in the first half to lead 5-4, while Duke got three goals from Joey Manown and one from Nakeie Montgomery.
After a back-and-forth third quarter, the Panthers put together a six-goal rally to pull away. Faceoff man Davis Sampere won six straight faceoffs to keep the High Point momentum going throughout the final period.
A little bit more on the heroes for High Point last night.
Panther goalie Tim Troutner didn't verbal to @HPUMensLax until May of his senior year when the staff watched him tear up the the MIAA playoffs. F/O man Davis Sampere was committed to Division III powerhouse Salisbury. Big reasons for tonight's upset over @DukeMLAX.
— Ty Xanders (@tyxanders) February 7, 2019
2. Chris Cloutier has a new home in the NLL.
In a significant Wednesday trade, the Philadelphia Wings sent Cloutier to the Buffalo Bandits in exchange for transition player Ryan Wagner and a 2021 first-round pick.
The move comes as a surprise to fans, after the team selected Cloutier with its first pick in franchise history (second overall). In seven games with the Wings, he tallied 24 points — good for second among all NLL rookies.
3. More ACC lacrosse news from Wednesday.
Syracuse sophomore Tucker Dordevic will miss the season opener against Colgate after “re-injuring” his foot this week, according to Inside Lacrosse. Dordevic had surgery on his foot this offseason and was practicing in preparation for the 2019 season. He scored 15 goals and had five assists as a freshman last season.
4. Wednesday was National Girls & Women in Sports Day, and the lacrosse community celebrated on social media throughout the day. Search #NGWSD for more.
At US Lacrosse in recognition of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, we want to honor all women involved in sports. From coaches to administrators to officials and players, women raise the game for all of us. #NGWSD pic.twitter.com/fuaBC5V8g9
— US Lacrosse (@USLacrosse) February 6, 2019
What does lacrosse mean to you?
— NCAA Lacrosse (@NCAALAX) February 6, 2019
On National Girls & Women in Sports Day women's lacrosse players discuss what opportunities that the sport has provided them. #NCAAWLAX #NGWSD pic.twitter.com/2n7vuG0bBK
Most of my professional career has been influenced and developed by the team I’ve surrounded myself with. I’m grateful for people like @ErinKane, @AlyssaRomano, and @MKGeisler. Three powerful women in sports. Happy National Girls and Women in Sports Day. #NGWSD
— Paul Rabil (@PaulRabil) February 6, 2019
Happy National Girls & Women In Sports Day!!! Thankful to be surrounded by so many friends and role modes and sisters in sport
— Official Lax Girl™ (@officiallaxgirl) February 6, 2019
A day is coming when we no longer say “female athlete” but we look at every person regardless of age, race and gender and say ATHLETE. I’m inspired by the pioneers and the current generation of women that give young ppl motivation and hope. #NationalGirlsAndWomenInSportsDay pic.twitter.com/sc8UPiqPlV
— Greg Gurenlian (@GregBeast32) February 6, 2019
5. When Evan Wolf isn’t busy leading the Amherst men’s lacrosse team, he can be found working at a computer. The Warrior/US Lacrosse Division III Preseason Player of the Year has a passion for computer science, in addition to captaining one of the top teams in the nation.
6. Charlie Bertrand is a rare combination of size and stick skills — and he almost never played attack. Luckily, a ninth-grade decision ignited his love for the game.
Now, the Warrior/US Lacrosse Men's Division II Preseason Player of the Year hopes to lead Merrimack to a national title repeat.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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Looks like the Halifax NLL team will reveal its new name and logo on Feb. 16.
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Boston U assistant coach Max Silberlicht was named coach of the Israeli men’s national team.
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Syracuse legend and National Lacrosse Hall of Famer Ryan Powell will join the Orange staff as the program advisor for camps, clinics and player identification.
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Former Albany women’s lacrosse coach John Battaglino was hired as head coach at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (N.Y.).
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Kent State women’s lacrosse is gearing up for its inaugural season.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
While you were caught up on the major upset brewing, you might have missed this ref’s strong flag throw.
HOLD THE PHONE REFS GOT A CANNON pic.twitter.com/E1QQGsMAMs
— Dan Aburn (@Dan_Aburn) February 7, 2019
Team USA (senior women and U19) descended upon Stanford last month for Spring Premiere. Check in on the top names in the Spring Premiere vlog.
WHAT’S ON TAP
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