Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. The U.S. women's team wasted no time putting away Israel in the FIL World Cup quarterfinals, cruising to a 20-3 win to advance to today's semifinals. Alex Aust and Kayla Treanor led the way with four goals each. As for today's opponent, it's an England team that the U.S. dominated 18-1 just a few days prior.
This version of Team USA has been clicking on all cylinders, and it's due in part to the mix of experience and youth. Newcomers like Taylor Cummings and Marie McCool have blended in nicely with veterans like Kelly Rabil and Devon Wills. It's a star-studded roster that sits just two games away from claiming the FIL World Cup title.
“Every top player from every top college, including every Tewaaraton winner, is on this team,” one fan at the Israel game commented during the first half. “Nobody has a chance against this team.”
2. We have reached the knockout stage of the FIL World Cup, but that doesn't mean we can't revisit the sights of group play. Here's a gallery of some of the best images from the group play, where the U.S. got wins over Scotland, Australia, England, Canada and Wales.
PHOTO BY ADY KERRY
3. The Women's Professional Lacrosse League has its first commissioner, and it's a big name. According to Inside Lacrosse, Jen Adams, the former Maryland great and current Loyola coach, will take over as the leader of the new women's professional league. Adams' hire comes after Wills was tabbed as director of player relations.
Adams, who led Maryland to four straight national titles from 1998-2001, will work with founder Michelle DeJuliis to build the new league's foundation.
“This is an extremely exciting opportunity and I am truly honored and humbled to be asked to fill the role of commissioner,” Adams said. “The WPLL has such a clear and innovative vision, combined with an exceptional leadership team. I am anxious to help see it off the ground and build momentum in the future.”
4. Jamaica Lacrosse announced Wednesday that former Stony Brook goalie Errol Wilson will become the program's first head coach, leading up to the 2018 FIL Men's World Championship. Wilson comes to Jamaica Lacrosse after spending time coaching with Brown, Rutgers and Lehigh. Kevin Martin and Dale Walker will serve as assistants to Wilson.
Wilson's mother left Jamaica's St. Mary's Parish in 1983 for Freeport, N.Y., where he grew up loving the game of lacrosse.
"‘My Mother is my daily inspiration; She was brave and determined when she migrated to the USA in 1983, her sacrifice, commitment and dedication to myself, my sister Tyisha and our entire family has been a blessing for us all," Wilson said. "My mother’s, competitive and ambitious nature reflect our Jamaican roots; she has instilled that in me."
Wilson will be tasked with formulating Jamaica's first World Cup roster. which could include Khristian Marley, the grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley.