Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Pat Spencer has been the star for Loyola ever since he stepped foot on campus in 2016. He’s one of the leaders for the Greyhounds, who advanced to the final four during his freshman season but haven’t made it back since.
Now in his senior season, Spencer and the rest of his teammates know it’s championship or bust. With a lineup that remains mostly intact, Loyola could very well make a run at an NCAA title in 2019.
2. Kylie Ohlmiller and Courtney Murphy are not coming back to Stony Brook. It’s a new era for the Seawolves, who failed to reach the final four last season despite lofty expectations.
But don’t mistake this team for taking a step back. Coach Joe Spallina believes the same goals can be achieved with the 2019 version of Stony Brook.
3. Dom Starsia has the secret to building strong team chemistry and culture — or at least his secret. In an article posted to USLaxMagazine.com from the legend, Starsia shares that honesty is the key ingredient to successful teams.
He reflected on a recent trip to Missouri, when he was asked about the most important characteristic for individual leadership. That got him thinking about what made up great teams, in general.
“The formula for success — the ‘secret sauce’ that created an environment for those leaders to influence their teammates — was honesty among all the participants," he said.
4. Since Lars Tiffany arrived in Charlottesville, the Virginia offense has been high-powered. The offense, now led by Dox Aitken, Michael Kraus and Ryan Conrad, has become the Cavaliers' identity.
However, if No. 5 Virginia wants to compete for the final four in 2019, it will have to get a strong effort on the defensive side of the field.
5. James Madison enters 2019 as the defending national champions, but without many of the pieces that made it happen. A strong senior class said goodbye after leading the Dukes to glory.
However, sophomores Molly Dougherty and Charlotte Haggerty have stepped up to fill those voids. Each was invited to play with Team USA at the IWLCA President’s Cup this fall.
Pair Dougherty and Haggerty with captains Hanna Haven and Caroline Sdanowich, and James Madison could succeed again this season.
6. The Albany men's lacrosse headshots are here! Enjoy the greatest headshots in all of lacrosse, back for another year.
They’re here! @UAlbanyMLax annual unique team profile photos : @UAlbanySports pic.twitter.com/Y2gUf8JwYk
— Lax Sports Network (@LaxSportsNet) January 29, 2019