BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Due to a positive COVID-19 test from the Tier 1 testing pool of the Loyola men’s lacrosse team, the Greyhounds will withdraw from the Patriot League championship game out of an abundance of caution due to health and safety protocols.
After an 11-10 win over the Army on Friday night, Loyola was scheduled to play Lehigh in the championship game on Sunday, May 9. By virtue of the no-contest, Lehigh will be the Patriot League’s automatic qualifier for the 2021 NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse tournament. The 16-team field will be announced Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern on ESPNU.
Loyola will evaluate its ability to be available for NCAA championship competition. The Greyhounds were putting together a better resume the past few weeks, bolstering their chances to be considered for an at-large bid if it did not win the Patriot League.
Now with every automatic qualifier decided, the last domino to fall could be what happens to Loyola. Would the Selection Committee risk including Greyhounds if there is a chance they can’t play, therefore depriving another team of the opportunity to compete in its place? We will find out tonight.