Dialed In: Your Lacrosse Fix for Tuesday, Dec. 19

Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:

1. Lacrosse legend Dick Szlasa dies.

Dick Szlasa, who spearheaded the rise of Washington and Lee and guided Navy to an NCAA title game in 1975, died Sunday. He was 87. Matt DaSilva remembers the life and legacy of a lacrosse icon and IMLCA Hall of Fame coach.

2. Who wins best in “show?”

Barbie and the Kelce brothers were two of the most popular topics in mainstream media in 2023, and Jeopardy! and Pat McAfee are standard bearers. But lacrosse also enjoyed mainstream attention, and not just from the major Los Angeles 2028 Olympic inclusion announcement. No, the sport is actually tied to some of the year’s biggest names, and you have three hours left to vote for the one that resonates most with you as Best of Lacrosse 2023 continues.

3. The PLL Championship Series rosters were announced yesterday.

The Premiere Lacrosse League Championship Series revealed its rosters for the Championship Series slated for Feb. 14-19 at The St. James in. Springfield, Va. The four squads will compete indoors in a Sixes-style tournament, the same format that’ll be on the world stage at the Olympics in 2028. Learn more.

4. The list of early contenders is a crowded one in the NLL.

The San Diego Seals rose to No. 1 in the NLL Power Rankings last week. This week? They’re No. 6. Jack Goods’ shared his new No. 1 and the numerous early contenders for the NLL Cup in this week’s power rankings.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• John Danowski will be inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in January. His list of achievements in the sport is long, but he remains humble as ever.
• Bryce Chase is known for his six-decade commitment as a coach to the Princeton men’s lacrosse program, beginning as a freshman assistant. But, as Princeton Athletics shares, he also assumed an unlikely role when he became a housemate to field hocket player Grace Schulze, who sustained a collarbone injury. The experience has been healing for both.
• The Duke men announced their 2024 captains.
• We’ve told you about multi-sport stars like Richmond-to-Northwestern transfer Lindsey Frank this year. Here’s another one: Reese Hasley, who credits playing for the Grove City College (Pa.) lacrosse team for improving in basketball.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

‘Tis the season.

Dodging responsibilities this week like… pic.twitter.com/wzKy1m1g7z

— Albany FireWolves Lacrosse Club (@AlbFireWolves) December 18, 2023

WHAT’S ON TAP

Cast your vote for the best women’s performance of 2024.

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