The road to the 2018 US Lacrosse Nationals got underway over the weekend with the NXT Fall Classic in Downingtown, Pa.
The Fall Classic was the first official qualifier for the US Lacrosse Nationals, which will be held for boys and girls 12U, 13U and 14U teams Aug. 2-5, 2018 in Frederica, Del. This year marks the first time that teams from across the country have to play to earn their bids to the US Lacrosse Nationals.
The Fall Classic saw 34 teams in the girls 12U, 13U and 14U age divisions play three games as they battled for qualifications standings points.
Two teams at each age level wrapped the weekend with perfect 3-0 records, earning 30 points apiece and taking their first steps on the Road to Delaware.
In the 14U division, Team Elevate Blue and Alliance LC both put up perfect records. In the 13U division it was Team United 2023 and NXT 2023 fighting their way to an undefeated day. And the 12U division, the youngest eligible to qualify for Nationals, saw Team Elevate 2024 and Team United Orange come out on top.
The Fall Classic was the first of 14 US Lacrosse Nationals qualifying events that will take place in the fall and winter. The first boys’ qualifiers take place this weekend in Emerson, Ga., and Rockford, Ill., demonstrating the opportunity for teams from all across the country to qualify for Nationals.
The qualifications standings are automated through Tourney Machine by SI Play, and updated as scores from qualifying events are entered into the Tourney Machine platform. Clubs wanting to start earning points towards their bid for the US Lacrosse Nationals should register for a Tourney Team account.