Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Loyola women’s lacrosse could be headed for its best season in the Jen Adams’ era. On paper, the Greyhounds have a roster that could take them deep into the NCAA tournament.
A senior class of nine players anchors the Loyola team, which comes in at No. 12 in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Women’s Preseason Top 20.
2. After North Carolina’s disappointing 2018 season, which included a seven-game losing streak, coach Joe Breschi had to reevaluate his coaching strategies.
One of the major offseason changes for the Tar Heels came when Breschi hired U.S. national team gold medalist Kevin Unterstein to run the defense. The team also added a new strength coach, nutritionist and sports psychologist.
North Carolina comes in at No. 12 in the Nike/US Lacrosse Men’s Division I Top 20.
3. Could Lehigh challenge Loyola men’s lacrosse in the Patriot League this year? With a senior-laden roster, the Mountain Hawks will certainly be a force in conference.
Lockdown defenseman Craig Chick leads this version of the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, who hope to make noise in the Patriot League and on the national level.
Lehigh is ranked No. 13 in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Men’s Top 20.
4. Excited for Spring Premiere this weekend, but can't make it to California? Not a problem. Lax Sports Network will produce both U.S. women's national team games against England on Saturday. The U.S. senior team will battle England at noon PST and the U19 team will do the same at 2:30 p.m. PST.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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The Crown Lacrosse Classic partnered with Greg Gurenlian, Rob Pannell and Drew Adams for clinics to run alongside the men’s college main event on March 9.
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The Philadelphia Wings teased the throwback jerseys they’ll be wearing this weekend.
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Le Moyne star Dan Entenmann is putting in the work to help lead the Dolphins into the 2019 season.
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Chesapeake Chapter of US Lacrosse Hall of Famer Andi Holthaus changed the women’s lacrosse game for the better.
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More on the motivation behind the merger of the Premier Lacrosse League and the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Kyle Harrison sat in on a panel during LaxCon on Jan. 12 in Philadelphia, discussing what it means to be black in the sport of lacrosse. He shares some insight on whether he feels pressure as a notable African-American lacrosse player.
During our panel at @USLacrosse #LaxCon2019, I was asked if I feel any sort of pressure being one of the voices for the black lacrosse community. My answer below pic.twitter.com/AcVfv9TCNE
— Kyle Harrison (@KyleHarrison18) January 22, 2019
MLL stars Marty Bowes and Niko Amato got the chance to meet up with Philadelphia Union goalie Matt Freese.
What happens when @MjBowes and @NAmato13 meet @PhilaUnion netminder Matt Freese? pic.twitter.com/UGKcLVnV3x
— Major League Lacrosse (@MLL_Lacrosse) January 22, 2019
WHAT’S ON TAP
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We’ll have detailed previews of two more teams in the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Preseason Top 20.
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