Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. The PLL semifinals are this weekend, and we’re going under the hood to examine key players on the four remaining teams.
Last week, Phil Shore highlighted Brian Phipps’ heroic effort to keep the Whipsnakes’ season alive. On Wednesday, Shore wrote about Eric Law — a veteran who propelled the youthful Atlas into the next round when the team needed him most.
Also on Wednesday, Nelson Rice captured the personality of Jack Rowlett, a Chaos defenseman who comes across as misunderstood. He’s a fun-loving, lighthearted player who also plays with a “nasty streak.”
We’ll have a story on Waterdogs LC’s Liam Byrnes this week, too.
2. After hiring Kim Hillier, Drexel has filled out its coaching staff.
Hillier will work alongside U.S. women’s national team member Katie O’Donnell and former Stony Brook attacker Alyssa Guido. The new staff hopes to continue Drexel’s ascension up the CAA ranks.
3. Tari Kandemiri, Nike Lacrosse Athlete.
Official Lax Girl continues to make waves in the lacrosse community, announcing yesterday that she’s signed with Nike. For nine years, Official Lax Girl has elevated the game on social media while doing everything she can to help build an inclusive community.
So happy to share that I have signed with @Nike as a Nike Lacrosse Athlete! Proud to be part of the lacrosse community and use my platform to help elevate the game!!! pic.twitter.com/4HbmR842eU
— Tari | Official Lax Girl™️ (@officiallaxgirl) September 1, 2021
4. Aiden Bodonyi is the first from the Class of 2023 to commit.
The 6-4, 180-pound defenseman from Western Reserve Academy (OH) has made his commitment to Ohio State, according to Inside Lacrosse. With the calendar rolling into September, we’ll see more and more commitments as the days pass.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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Inside Lacrosse’s annual breakdown of the Top 50 juniors in the nation.
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IWLCA member coaches provide advice to the incoming freshman class in the latest “Behind the Whistle” blog.
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Lacrosse Bucket’s Tanner Demling thinks Loyola has Championship Weekend potential this spring.
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A former Syracuse student is suing the university and two of its officials for the handling of her complaints of assault and sexual harassment by former player Chase Scanlan. More here from the Daily Orange.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Jeff Teat’s rookie season has put him in the MVP conversation.
What a season the rookie has had pic.twitter.com/uVv3wnytjo
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) September 1, 2021
WHAT'S ON TAP
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Learn more about the PALA Sixes Cup happening this weekend in Florida.