What happened in the controversial ending of the NCAA Lacrosse Final Four semifinal between Duke and Penn State. How did the officiating decision impact the game’s outcome. Why are Penn State fans questioning the referee’s call on the final play.
The Stage: NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship Weekend
The 2023 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship Weekend brought together four powerhouse teams at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The semifinal matchups featured No. 1 Duke vs. No. 5 Penn State and No. 2 Virginia vs. No. 3 Notre Dame, with the winners advancing to Monday’s national championship game.
Duke vs. Penn State: A Battle to the Finish
The Duke-Penn State semifinal proved to be a back-and-forth affair. Penn State jumped out to an early 4-3 lead in the first quarter, but Duke battled back to take a two-goal advantage into halftime. The Nittany Lions refused to go away, eventually forcing sudden death overtime with the score tied at 15-15.
Key Moments Leading to Overtime
- Penn State’s strong start with a 4-3 first quarter lead
- Duke’s halftime advantage
- Penn State’s resilience in forcing overtime
- The importance of faceoffs, an area where Penn State had struggled throughout the game
The Controversial Finish: Duke’s Game-Winning Goal
In sudden death overtime, Duke’s Garrett Leadmon scored what appeared to be the game-winning goal. However, controversy immediately erupted as many spectators, including Penn State players, believed Leadmon had stepped into the crease before shooting – a violation that would have nullified the goal.
Analyzing the Final Play
Did Garrett Leadmon step into the crease before scoring the game-winning goal? This question became the focal point of intense debate. Many fans in the stadium believed they had seen a crease violation in real-time. However, the referee farthest from the play sprinted in to make the call, ultimately ruling the goal valid and sending Duke to the national championship game.
The Aftermath: Penn State’s Frustration and Calls for Accountability
The controversial ending left Penn State fans and players feeling robbed of a fair chance at reaching their first-ever national championship game. The incident sparked immediate comparisons to a similar controversial finish in the 2000 NCAA tournament, where Penn State also found themselves on the wrong end of a disputed call.
Echoes of the Past
Why did this controversial finish evoke memories of the 2000 NCAA tournament for Penn State fans? The similarity in circumstances – a disputed call in a high-stakes game – brought back painful memories for the Nittany Lion faithful, amplifying their frustration with the outcome.
The Role of Officiating in High-Stakes Games
The Duke-Penn State semifinal reignited discussions about the impact of officiating decisions in crucial moments of high-profile games. How can the NCAA ensure fair and accurate calls in such high-pressure situations? This incident has led to calls for increased accountability and potentially the use of video review for game-deciding plays.
Potential Solutions
- Implementing video review for game-ending plays
- Providing additional training for officials in high-pressure situations
- Increasing transparency in the decision-making process for controversial calls
The Bigger Picture: NCAA Lacrosse Championship Weekend
While the Duke-Penn State controversy dominated headlines, it’s important to remember the broader context of the NCAA Lacrosse Championship Weekend. The event showcased the sport’s top talent and provided thrilling action for fans across multiple platforms.
Tournament Highlights
- Four of the top five seeds reaching the Final Four
- Three ACC teams (Duke, Virginia, Notre Dame) and one Big Ten team (Penn State) in the semifinals
- A combined 47 national semifinals appearances among the four teams
- Three Tewaaraton Award finalists in action: Duke’s Brennen O’Neill, Notre Dame’s Pat Kavanagh, and Virginia’s Connor Shellenberger
ESPN’s Coverage: Bringing the Action to Fans
ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship Weekend aimed to provide viewers with an immersive experience. How did ESPN enhance its broadcast to capture the excitement of the games?
Innovative Production Elements
- SupraCam aerial coverage for unique overhead perspectives
- Super Mo cameras for high-quality slow-motion replays
- Three marshall cameras offering diverse vantage points
- Goal cameras for close-up views of scoring plays
- On-screen graphics displaying shot speed in miles per hour
- Microphones on game officials to provide on-field dialogue during penalty calls
Expert Commentary Team
ESPN assembled a talented group of broadcasters and analysts to provide insight throughout the championship weekend. The commentary team included:
- Anish Shroff (play-by-play)
- Quint Kessenich (analyst and former national champion goalie at Johns Hopkins)
- Paul Carcaterra (analyst and former All-American and national champion at Syracuse)
- Chris Cotter (studio host)
- Matt Ward (studio analyst and 2006 Tewaaraton Award winner)
- Bill Tierney (studio analyst and seven-time NCAA Champion head coach)
The Impact on Penn State’s Program
For Penn State Lacrosse, the controversial loss in the Final Four represents a significant setback in their quest for a first national championship. How might this experience affect the program moving forward?
Potential Consequences
- Motivation for future seasons and a desire to return to the Final Four
- Increased scrutiny on officiating in future high-stakes games
- Possible changes in NCAA policies regarding video review or officiating procedures
- A rallying point for the Penn State lacrosse community
Despite the disappointing outcome, Penn State’s run to the Final Four demonstrates the program’s continued growth and competitiveness at the highest level of college lacrosse. The experience gained from this deep tournament run could prove invaluable for the team’s future success.
Looking Ahead: The Future of NCAA Lacrosse
The controversial finish to the Duke-Penn State semifinal has sparked discussions about potential changes to NCAA lacrosse rules and officiating procedures. What improvements might be considered to prevent similar controversies in the future?
Possible Rule Changes and Enhancements
- Implementing video review for game-ending plays in overtime or close games
- Clarifying crease violation rules to reduce ambiguity
- Enhancing referee positioning and communication during critical moments
- Exploring the use of technology to assist with close calls, similar to goal-line technology in soccer
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow in popularity and visibility, addressing these issues will be crucial for maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring fair outcomes in high-stakes situations.
The Growth of College Lacrosse
Despite the controversy surrounding the Duke-Penn State game, the 2023 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship Weekend showcased the sport’s increasing popularity and competitiveness. How has college lacrosse evolved in recent years?
Trends in College Lacrosse
- Expansion of programs across different divisions
- Increased media coverage and exposure
- Growing talent pool from diverse geographic regions
- Rising attendance figures for championship events
- Emergence of new powerhouse programs challenging traditional lacrosse powers
The thrilling games and high level of play demonstrated throughout the tournament highlight the bright future of college lacrosse, even as the sport grapples with challenges such as officiating controversies and the need for continued growth and development.
The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Controversies
In the aftermath of the Duke-Penn State semifinal, social media platforms played a significant role in spreading information and opinions about the controversial finish. How does social media impact the perception and discussion of such incidents in modern sports?
Social Media’s Influence
- Rapid dissemination of video clips and images from multiple angles
- Instant reactions from fans, players, and analysts
- Creation of hashtags and trending topics related to the controversy
- Amplification of calls for accountability and rule changes
- Potential for misinformation and escalation of emotions
The power of social media to shape narratives and influence public opinion adds a new dimension to how sports controversies are perceived and addressed in the modern era. This digital landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for sports organizations, teams, and officials in managing the fallout from contentious incidents.
The Mental Aspect: Overcoming Adversity in Sports
For the Penn State lacrosse team, recovering from such a heartbreaking and controversial loss presents a significant mental challenge. How do athletes and teams bounce back from setbacks of this magnitude?
Strategies for Mental Resilience
- Focusing on the positives from the tournament run
- Using the experience as motivation for future seasons
- Developing a “next play” mentality to avoid dwelling on past events
- Strengthening team bonds through shared adversity
- Working with sports psychologists to process emotions and build mental toughness
The ability of Penn State’s players and coaches to reframe this experience as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block will be crucial for the program’s continued success and growth in the coming years.
The Broader Impact on NCAA Officiating
The controversy surrounding the Duke-Penn State game raises questions about NCAA officiating across all sports, not just lacrosse. How might this incident influence officiating practices and policies in collegiate athletics as a whole?
Potential Changes in NCAA Officiating
- Increased emphasis on officiating training and development programs
- Exploration of technology-assisted officiating in more sports
- Review of policies regarding official selection for high-stakes games
- Enhanced transparency in the review and accountability process for controversial calls
- Consideration of rule changes to reduce ambiguity in critical situations
As the NCAA continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of collegiate sports, addressing officiating concerns will be crucial for maintaining the integrity and fairness of competition across all sports.
Back in the City of Brotherly Love: ESPN Platforms Present NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship Weekend
College Lacrosse
Game Coverage
Men’s Championship (Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.)
Saturday, May 27
Semifinal #1: No. 1 Duke vs No. 5 Penn State | Noon ET, ESPN2/ESPN+
Semifinal #2: No. 2 Virginia vs No. 3 Notre Dame | 2:30 p.m., ESPN2/ESPN+
Monday, May 29
National Championship Game | 1 p.m., ESPN/ESPN+
All games available on ESPN+ via the ESPN app.
Matchup Highlights
- The field features four of the top-five seeds in this year’s bracket; three teams from the ACC and one from the Big Ten
- Duke (14), Notre Dame (6), Penn State (2) and Virginia (25) combine for 47 national semifinals appearances
- Virginia has won two of the last three NCAA titles and seven overall, while Duke owns three national championships. Notre Dame and Penn State are both seeking their first title.
- Three of the five Tewaaraton Award finalists will be playing this weekend: Duke’s Brennen O’Neill, Notre Dame’s Pat Kavanagh and Virginia’s Connor Shellenberger
- Six PLL College Draftees will also be in action at the Linc: Thomas McConvey (Virginia), Brian Tevlin (Notre Dame), Xander Dickson (Virginia), Petey LaSalla (Virginia), Garrett Leadmon (Duke) and Chris Fake (Notre Dame)
Production
- Cameras will be stationed throughout The Linc to capture the action, including SupraCam aerial coverage, Super Mo, three marshall cameras offering unique vantage points and goal cameras
- Shot Speed – on-screen graphics will display the miles per hour of shots taken
- Game officials will wear microphones during the semifinals and championship, providing on-field dialogue during penalty calls
Commentators
- Anish Shroff will handle play-by-play duties and will be joined by analysts Quint Kessenich (national champion at Johns Hopkins and one of the nation’s top goalies during his college career) and Paul Carcaterra(All-American and national champion at Syracuse) for all three Championship Weekend games.
- Chris Cotter will host studio coverage alongside Matt Ward (2006 Tewaaraton Award winner; national champion with Virginia) and seven-time NCAA Champion head coach Bill Tierney, who recently retired from coaching after 42 seasons, surrounding the national semifinals. Cotter will be joined by Carcaterraand Coach Tierney live from The Linc for National Championship game coverage.
ACC Network
With three ACC teams participating in this weekend’s championship, ACC Network’s studio shows All ACC and ACC PM will have coverage throughout as well as into next week celebrating the conference’s spring sport season success.
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | Network |
| Sat, May 27 | Noon | NCAA National Semifinal #1 No. Anish Shroff, Quint Kessenich, Paul Carcaterra | ESPN2/ESPN+ |
| 2:30 p.m. | No. 2 Virginia vs No. 3 Notre Dame Anish Shroff, Quint Kessenich, Paul Carcaterra | ESPN2/ESPN+ | |
| Mon, May 29 | 1 p.m. | NCAA Championship Game Anish Shroff, Quint Kessenich, Paul Carcaterra | ESPN/ESPN+ |
1 Duke vs No. 5 Penn StateGames airing on ESPN platforms are also available through the ESPN App, accessible on computers, smartphones, tablets and connected devices to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
Related Media Kits
NCAA Refs Rob Penn State Lacrosse in Final Four Loss to Duke
PHILADELPHIA — A controversial ending in an NCAA national semifinal game left many Penn State Lacrosse fans cursing the NCAA and asking for accountability.
The year is 2000 … oh wait this is 2023?
That is where Penn State fans find themselves on a sunny afternoon in Philadelphia as the Nittany Lions were screwed out of an opportunity to reach the National Championship game for the first time in program history.
Penn State Lacrosse once led early in the 1st quarter 4-3 but were trailing by two at the half and for most of the game. Yet, they battled back to take a 15-15 game to sudden death overtime.
Like Ice hockey, lacrosse overtime is one of the most stressful in sports.
Winning the faceoff becomes all the more important, something the Nittany Lions had struggled with throughout the game. But, Penn State had gone punch for punch with No. 1 Duke all afternoon and yet the postgame topic once again came down to officiating.
Duke’s Garrett Leadmon put home a game winning shot halfway through the shot clock to send the Blue Devils to the National Championship.
Immediately Penn State players threw their arms up in the air and the Duke players waited as many expected the referees to make the call that Leadmon was in the crease.
After all, most fans in the stadium thought that he was in real time.
Instead, the referee that was farthest away from the play took it upon himself to sprint in full speed and make the call that decided who moved on to the title game.
<< BUY PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS GEAR >>
I thought surely there was a review coming at the very least as it was a game winning goal.
We have learned in other sports that scoring plays especially in late game situations are always reviewable.
However, the referees sprinted for the locker room before most fans even realized what had happened.
Next thing everyone in the stadium knew the replay was being shown up on the video board that showed Leadmon’s foot clearly on the crease line and Lincoln Financial field erupted in boos and beers began to shower the field.
Where were the referees during this time?
That’s right in the locker room already not being held accountable for any of the chaos that they had caused.
I feel heartbroken for Penn State players who had to watch an unjust ending to their season repeatedly on the video board and there was nothing that could be done.
The NCAA came out with a statement that essentially said the only way that a goal can be reviewed is if it was to check the time on the game or shot clock.
Are you kidding me?
Hard to believe the “Sport of the Future” has one of the worst review systems in all of sports, but, here we are.
Checking to see if a player’s foot was on or over the line must be one of the fastest and easiest reviews to check. It isn’t subjective, either he is or isn’t.
In this case the foot was clearly on the line, and it shouldn’t have been a goal. The NCAA seems to find itself in these situations that could have been prevented with just common sense. Let each coach have one challenge per half and a flag that they can use and throw onto the field. Allow for reviews on close calls like we see in literally every other sport in America.
I mean goodness gracious, baseball has a better replay system than Lacrosse!
Even something as simple as all overtime scores are reviewed or anything under 2 minutes. That would have fixed what happened today.
Who is to say whether Penn State would have even scored on the next possession. Maybe Duke gets the stop and comes back down and scores to win it.
Yet, the Nittany Lions will never get that opportunity because it was taken away from them for the refusal to use the most common technology in sports.
The game was exciting from start to finish and could have been a great opportunity to grow the sport. It really is too bad that all anybody will be able to talk about is a poorly officiated call and the inability to review it.
Maybe the sky Cam is useless after all if we can’t use it to get calls right. The level of incompetence and foresight to not predict this situation is why the NCAA is and will always be a joke of an organization.
Have fun in the Supreme Court and it would be a real shame if some of your college basketball money got distributed to the athletes.
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Tags: NCAA Lacrosse Championships, Penn State Lacrosse, Penn State Lacrosse vs. Duke, Penn State Nittany Lions
NCAA. Final four. 1/2 finals. Florida Atlantic Vlada Goldina lost to San Diego State, passing under the siren, Connecticut defeated Miami – Basketball
Today the semi-final matches of the “Final Four” NCAA took place.
Florida Atlantic University, which includes Russian center Vladislav Goldin, lost to San Diego State in the last second of the match. Connecticut won a landslide victory over Miami.
NCAA
March Madness
Final Four
Half-final
San Diego State – Florida Atlantic – 72:71 (33:40, 39:31)
SAN DIEGO : Bradley (21+6 rebounds), Lady (12 + 6 rebounds)
FLORIDA ATLANTIC : Martin (26 + 7 rebounds), Boyd (12), Goldin (5 + 4 rebounds)
April 2, .
1.09
Connecticut – Miami – 72:59 (37:24, 35:35)
CONNECTICUT : Sanogo (21 + 10 rebounds), Hawkins (13), Karaban (8 + 9rebounds), Alleyn (8).
MIAMI : Wong (15), Miller (11 + 10 rebounds), Omier (8 + 7 rebounds + 3 steals), Pack, Joseph (both – 8).
April 2, . 3.49
NOTE : the start time of the match is Moscow.
15 years ago Sasha Kaun took the NCAA title – his Kansas stole victories from the teams of Steph Curry and Derrick Rose
From Gordon to Goldin: Europeans in the NCAA Final Four
The guy from Nalchik will play in the NCAA Final Four. Ready for March Madness?
“Before, no one knew their faces or their stories, but now everything is changing.” Vlad Goldin in the Final Four of March Madness
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