Which teams are dominating the NCAA men’s lacrosse landscape in 2023. How are top programs like Virginia, Notre Dame, and Syracuse performing. What factors are shaping this season’s rankings and competitive landscape.
The Shifting Landscape of NCAA Men’s Lacrosse in 2023
The 2023 NCAA men’s lacrosse season has already seen significant shakeups in the rankings, with several top programs experiencing early losses. Virginia and Notre Dame have cemented their positions at the top, while teams like Princeton, Loyola, Yale, Syracuse, Penn, and Georgetown have tumbled down the rankings after unexpected defeats.
Weather conditions appear to be playing a role, with wintry conditions seemingly tempering goal-scoring across many games. As we transition from February into March, the competitive landscape continues to evolve rapidly.
Keys to Success: Discipline, Preparation, and Continuous Improvement
What separates the top programs from the rest of the pack? According to lacrosse analyst Quint Kessenich, success comes down to relentless preparation and a commitment to continuous improvement. He emphasizes the importance of putting in extra work before and after practice, whether that means honing individual skills, studying film, or working on strength and conditioning.
Kessenich advocates for players to “embrace the pain of discipline” rather than facing “the pain of regret.” This mentality of pushing through challenges and investing in oneself appears to be a defining characteristic of the most successful programs and players in NCAA lacrosse.
UMBC: A Rising Force in NCAA Lacrosse
One of the more intriguing stories of the early 2023 season is the emergence of UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) as a legitimate contender. The Retrievers solidified their place in Kessenich’s Top 20 with a dominant Friday night victory over Mount St. Mary’s.
What makes UMBC stand out? The team currently ranks second in the nation in combined efficiency and boasts an excellent shooting percentage. This combination of offensive firepower and overall team effectiveness has put them on the radar as a program to watch.
UMBC’s Path Forward
Can UMBC maintain their early-season momentum? While they’ve impressed so far, the challenge will be consistency as they face tougher competition. Their efficient offense will need to continue performing at a high level, and their defense will be tested against some of the more prolific scoring teams in the country.
Boston University: Patriot League Contenders on the Rise
Boston University made a strong statement with a crucial 12-6 victory over UMass, showcasing their defensive prowess by holding the Minutemen to just 13 shots on goal. The Terriers’ attack was equally impressive, with their top trio combining for 14 points.
While an earlier loss to Vermont stings, BU appears to be trending in the right direction as they eye Patriot League supremacy. Their upcoming slate of games against Colgate, Bucknell, and Holy Cross will be critical in determining whether they can maintain their momentum and solidify their position in the rankings.
Syracuse: Offensive Innovation Amidst Defensive Struggles
Syracuse finds itself in an interesting position early in the 2023 season. Their extra-man offensive unit has been described as “worth the price of admission” due to its creative passing and movement patterns. This innovative approach on offense has made the Orange one of the most exciting teams to watch.
However, significant questions remain about Syracuse’s overall competitiveness at the highest level of NCAA lacrosse. What are the main concerns for the Orange?
- Below-par faceoff performance for ACC standards
- Lack of ACC-caliber defensive cover men
- Increased pressure on goalie Will Mark
These defensive struggles were evident in their recent loss to UNC at home. As Syracuse prepares to face Duke, addressing these weaknesses will be crucial if they hope to compete for a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Villanova: Big East Contenders with Pro-Level Talent
Villanova has positioned itself as a strong contender in the Big East conference, with impressive wins over Delaware and Penn State. Their only loss so far came against Yale, a perennial powerhouse in the Ivy League.
What makes Villanova a team to watch? Their up-tempo style of play is not only effective but also entertaining for fans. Midfielder Matt Campbell has been a standout performer, scoring five goals against Delaware and establishing himself as a potential first-round pick in the Professional Lacrosse League (PLL) draft.
As Villanova prepares to face Hofstra, they’ll look to continue their strong start and solidify their position as one of the top teams in the Big East alongside Georgetown and Denver.
Jacksonville: ASUN Favorites with Upset Potential
Jacksonville enters the 2023 season as the favorite in the ASUN conference. They’ve already made waves with a victory over Duke, though a home loss to Johns Hopkins shows there’s still room for improvement.
What factors are contributing to Jacksonville’s success? Under the guidance of head coach John Galloway, the Dolphins have developed a reputation for strong fundamentals and the ability to compete with top-tier programs. Their upset win over Duke demonstrates their potential to make noise on the national stage.
As the season progresses, Jacksonville will aim to dominate their conference schedule while continuing to challenge themselves against high-profile opponents.
Johns Hopkins: Tradition Meets Transition
Few programs in college lacrosse carry the prestige and expectations of Johns Hopkins. The 2023 season sees the Blue Jays in a period of transition, working to reclaim their place among the nation’s elite programs.
What challenges is Johns Hopkins facing this season?
- Injuries to key players, including goalie Tim Marcille
- Integration of new talent, such as freshman Matt Collison
- Finding consistency across all phases of the game
Despite these hurdles, there are positive signs for the Blue Jays. The return of Russell Melendez and Jacob Angelus to the lineup provides a boost, while Gib Versfeld’s 15-save performance against Utah shows promise in goal. Freshman Matt Collison has made an immediate impact, showcasing a diverse skill set that hints at future stardom.
The Impact of Coaching
How much credit does the coaching staff deserve for Hopkins’ improvements? Volunteer Assistant Coach Brian Kelly has received praise for the enhanced play of the Blue Jays’ goalkeepers this spring. This kind of specialized coaching and attention to detail could be key in helping Johns Hopkins return to national prominence.
The Role of Weather in Early-Season Results
An interesting subplot in the 2023 NCAA lacrosse season has been the impact of weather conditions on game outcomes. Quint Kessenich noted that “wintry weather tempered goal scoring” in many early-season matchups.
How does cold weather affect lacrosse performance? Cold temperatures can have several effects on the game:
- Decreased stick feel and control due to cold hands
- Harder, less pliable balls that don’t absorb impact as well
- Slower field conditions if playing on natural grass
- Potential for more conservative play-calling and risk-averse strategies
As the season progresses into spring, it will be interesting to see if offensive output increases across the board. Teams that have managed to put up strong offensive numbers despite the cold conditions may be well-positioned for success as the weather improves.
Emerging Trends in NCAA Men’s Lacrosse
As we analyze the early results and performances of the 2023 season, several trends are beginning to emerge in NCAA men’s lacrosse:
Offensive Innovation
Programs like Syracuse are pushing the boundaries of offensive creativity, particularly in extra-man situations. This focus on intricate passing patterns and dynamic movement off the ball is making for more exciting and unpredictable gameplay.
Emphasis on Efficiency
Teams like UMBC are finding success through a combination of efficient shooting and overall team effectiveness. This trend towards maximizing possessions and quality scoring chances could reshape how programs approach offensive strategy.
The Impact of Freshmen
Several programs are seeing immediate contributions from first-year players. Matt Collison at Johns Hopkins is just one example of a freshman making an instant impact at the highest level of college lacrosse.
Defensive Adaptations
As offenses become more sophisticated, defenses are being forced to evolve. Programs that can develop ACC-caliber cover defenders and implement effective team defensive schemes will have a significant advantage as the season progresses.
The Road Ahead: Key Matchups and Storylines to Watch
As we move deeper into the 2023 NCAA men’s lacrosse season, several key matchups and storylines will shape the national landscape:
ACC Showdowns
With Virginia and Notre Dame at the top of the rankings, every ACC matchup takes on added significance. Syracuse’s upcoming game against Duke will be a critical test for both programs.
Ivy League Battles
After early-season stumbles by Princeton and Yale, the race for Ivy League supremacy is wide open. How will these traditional powerhouses respond to adversity?
Big East Competition
Villanova, Georgetown, and Denver appear to be the frontrunners in the Big East. Their head-to-head matchups will likely determine the conference champion and have significant implications for NCAA tournament seeding.
Potential Cinderella Stories
Programs like UMBC and Jacksonville have shown they can compete with established powers. Will we see any major upsets or surprise conference champions as the season unfolds?
The Evolution of Recruiting and Player Development
The landscape of NCAA men’s lacrosse is constantly evolving, with recruiting and player development playing crucial roles in a program’s success. What trends are we seeing in how top programs build and maintain their rosters?
Geographic Diversity
Teams are casting a wider net in their recruiting efforts. Utah’s roster, for example, features players from 19 different states and Canada. This geographic diversity brings a variety of playing styles and experiences to college programs.
Specialized Skill Development
The emphasis on position-specific coaching, such as Brian Kelly’s work with Johns Hopkins’ goalies, highlights the importance of specialized skill development. Programs that can provide this level of focused training may have an advantage in player improvement and on-field performance.
Early Impact Freshmen
The immediate success of players like Matt Collison at Johns Hopkins underscores the importance of identifying and developing freshmen who can contribute right away. Programs that can successfully integrate young talent with experienced veterans are better positioned for sustained success.
The Role of Analytics in NCAA Lacrosse
As in many sports, analytics are playing an increasingly important role in NCAA men’s lacrosse. How are teams leveraging data to gain a competitive edge?
Efficiency Metrics
UMBC’s high ranking in combined efficiency highlights the importance of these advanced metrics. Teams are likely using similar data points to evaluate their performance and identify areas for improvement.
Shot Quality Analysis
With an increased focus on shooting percentage, teams are likely diving deeper into shot quality analysis. This could involve studying shot location, angle, and defensive pressure to optimize offensive strategies.
Possession Value
As the sport becomes more efficient, understanding the value of each possession becomes crucial. Analytics can help teams make informed decisions about when to push the pace and when to be more conservative.
The Impact of Professional Lacrosse on the College Game
The growth of professional lacrosse leagues like the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) is having a noticeable impact on the college game. How is this affecting NCAA men’s lacrosse?
NFL-Style Schemes
With more college players aspiring to professional careers, we’re seeing an increase in pro-style offensive and defensive schemes at the college level. This is leading to more sophisticated gameplay and strategic diversity.
Emphasis on Versatility
Players like Johns Hopkins’ Brendan Grimes, who has shown “uncommon versatility,” are highly valued in both college and professional lacrosse. This emphasis on multi-dimensional skill sets is shaping how players develop and how teams construct their rosters.
Increased Exposure
The growth of professional lacrosse is bringing more attention to the college game. This increased exposure could lead to larger fan bases, more media coverage, and potentially more resources for college programs.
Strategies for Success in Modern College Lacrosse
As the 2023 season unfolds, certain strategies are emerging as keys to success in the highly competitive world of NCAA men’s lacrosse:
Offensive Creativity
Teams that can innovate on offense, like Syracuse’s dynamic extra-man unit, are keeping defenses off-balance and creating scoring opportunities.
Defensive Adaptability
With offenses becoming more sophisticated, defenses must be able to adjust on the fly. Programs that can develop versatile defenders and implement multiple defensive looks will have an advantage.
Faceoff Dominance
Controlling possession through faceoff wins remains a crucial aspect of the game. Teams with strong faceoff units can dictate the pace of play and limit their opponents’ opportunities.
Goaltender Development
The importance of strong goaltender play is evident in the success of teams like Johns Hopkins, where improved goalkeeper performance has been a bright spot.
Depth and Versatility
Programs that can develop deep, versatile rosters are better equipped to handle injuries, matchup challenges, and the grind of a long season.
As the 2023 NCAA men’s lacrosse season continues to unfold, these trends, strategies, and storylines will shape the competitive landscape. From established powerhouses to rising programs, the race for conference championships and NCAA tournament berths promises to be as exciting and unpredictable as ever.
Quint Kessenich’s Top 20: February 27, 2023
Losses by Princeton, Loyola, Yale, Syracuse, Penn and Georgetown triggered massive shifts in the Top 20. It appeared as if wintry weather tempered goal scoring. Virginia and Notre Dame solidified their status at the top. A robust slate of Sunday games put the deadline on a shot clock.
As we turn the page from February to March, press on through what challenges you. Pound the door down, everyday. When you put in the work from Sunday until Friday, the games on Saturday take care of themselves. Investing 15 minutes before and after each practice, all week, is the edge it takes to be successful. Grab a teammate and invest in your skills, your strength, speed or extra film study. Embrace the pain of discipline. Or live with the pain of regret.
Twitter: @QKessenich
Instagram: @quintekessenich
Facebook: Quint Kessenich
LinkedIn: Quint Kessenich
Quint Kessenich’s Top 20
20) UMBC
A Friday night blowout win over Mount St.
Mary’s keeps UMBC in my Top 20. Retrievers rank No.2 in the country in combined efficiency and have an excellent shooting percentage. I debated between Army, Manhattan, Michigan, Dartmouth, High Point, Robert Morris, Delaware, Harvard and Vermont for this final spot and won’t be surprised when ten plus teams “receive votes” in the media poll.
Here’s the highlights from our 16-6 win over Mount St. Mary’s tonight! pic.twitter.com/n18eLgoWqs
— UMBC Men’s Lacrosse (@UMBC_MLax) February 25, 2023
19) Boston University
The Terriers picked up an essential 12-6 win against UMass, shutting the Minutemen out in the fourth quarter. The loss to Vermont stings, but I’ve got the feeling that the Patriot League Champions are heading in the right direction. They held UMass to just 13 shots on goal and the attack trio combined for 14 points.
Their next three games are against Colgate, Bucknell and Holy Cross, so holding serve is critical.
BIG TIME ROAD DUB FOR THE DAWGS! pic.twitter.com/ktQwHDdOJS
— BU Men’s Lacrosse (@TerrierMLAX) February 25, 2023
18) Syracuse
Otto’s extra-man unit is worth the price of admission. We are witnessing creative and eye-opening passing and movement patterns. Love the innovation from this six man unit. That being said, Syracuse has a long way to go before they are a Top 10 and playoff caliber team. The faceoff unit is below par for the ACC and the defense lacks ACC level cover-men. In fact, I’m not sure Syracuse has a single defender who could start anywhere in the ACC right now. That’s putting extreme pressure on goalie Will Mark, who showed signs of shell shock on Saturday in a loss against UNC at home.
Syracuse plays Duke this Sunday.
Another look at that @SportsCenter #SCTop10 goal from Griffin Cook
via @accnetwork #HHH x #LikeNoOther pic.twitter.com/VP9OiyLf9p
— Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse (@CuseMLAX) February 26, 2023
17) Villanova
The Wildcats have wins over Delaware and Penn State with a loss to Yale. They appear to be in the mix with Georgetown and Denver for Big East supremacy. Midfielder Matt Campbell scored five times against the Blue Hens on Sunday and looks like a first round PLL selection. Nova plays an open up-tempo style thats fan friendly. They visit Hofstra on Saturday.
‘𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐍 😼 🔵
Villanova defeats No. 10 Delaware, 13-12. #NCAAMLAX x 🎥 @NovaLacrosse pic.
twitter.com/p5xHjy28sW
— NCAA Lacrosse (@NCAALAX) February 26, 2023
twitter.com/p5xHjy28sW16) Jacksonville
The Dolphins had a bye week. They own a win over Duke and lost at home to Hopkins. They feel like the favorite in the ASUN. You can catch up with Jacksonville Head Coach John Galloway on the Quintessential Podcast.
Today’s episode of the Quintessential Podcast features @JAX_MLAX Head Coach @JohnGalloway15 as he sits down with @QKessenich to talk about the Dolphin’s season 🐬
🔗 Link HERE: https://t.co/xBzSNwtVvP pic.twitter.com/IIyT7hkmaR
— Lacrosse All Stars (@LaxAllStars) February 23, 2023
15) Johns Hopkins
They have the will, but do they have the tools? Nothing comes easy for Hopkins right now. Russell Melendez and Jacob Angelus were back in the lineup and Gib Versfeld (15 saves) started in the crease for injured goalie Tim Marcille.
Volunteer Assistant Coach Brian Kelly deserves some credit for the improved play from the JHU goalies this spring. Beau Szuluk made his defensive debut as Hopkins methodically pulled away from Utah on a chilly Saturday at Homewood.
Utah, with a roster represented by 19 states and Canada, made this one interesting. The Jays got hat tricks from Ian Krampf, Matt Collison and Brendan Grimes for the 12-8 win. Collision is a 6′” 225 freshman from Ontario who’s impact has been immediate. He will be drawing a pole in March. His lean-in lefty power bull dodge came first, and in recent weeks has showcased a variety of moves that hints towards greatness. Grimes has shown uncommon versatility during the last few games, being asked to play attack and midfield. Krampf was a surprise starter and made the most of his opportunity. “We Want More” has been riddled with injuries and the personnel on offense has been shifting on a weekly basis..jpg)
No continuity slows down growth. Ryan Evans and Brooks English made appearances at midfield.
In years in which Hopkins has lost to Loyola, they’ve rarely experienced a successful season. It’s an unofficial historical trend, or season barometer or indicator. When JHU can’t beat their puppy dog neighbor, they typically haven’t been able to beat the big dogs who reside up and down the road. Hopkins did not look like a playoff team on Saturday, although it’s still just late February, and teams can change radically in the next 45 days. Their SOS is without peer. JHU hosts Saint Joseph’s on Saturday at 2:00pm (ESPN+).
4Q | 13:30
JHU 9 – 5 UtahEvans gets himself on the scoresheet!#GoHop pic.twitter.com/nPmDQnzOsP
— JHU Men’s Lacrosse (@jhumenslacrosse) February 25, 2023
14) Saint Joseph’s
The Hawks dominated Providence on Sweeney Field this weekend and will travel to Hopkins on Saturday.
Zach Cole is winning draws at amazing rate and Saint Joseph’s leads the country in time of possession.
Mac with the finish 🎯#THWND pic.twitter.com/lFhvZc3iiN
— Saint Joseph’s Men’s Lacrosse (@SJUHawks_MLax) February 25, 2023
13) Yale
One week the defense is porous, the next week the offense can’t find openings against a Penn State zone defense. Ivy League had a rough weekend with Yale, Penn and Princeton all losing. No time to panic. Yale lost to the Nittany Lions in 2022 as well. Although with a non-league schedule devoid of heavyweights from the ACC and only one team from the Big Ten, Yale hasn’t afforded themselves as much wiggle room as Penn or Princeton. UMass is up next.
Carson Kuhl gets us within 13-10.
📺 | https://t.co/3XRl27PDJF
🌎 | https://t.co/aLxYXUhx74
📊 | https://t.co/P51r7isUxy#ThisIsYale pic.twitter.com/iWCCMQDbjF— Yale Men’s Lacrosse (@YaleLacrosse) February 25, 2023
12) Penn State
A Strong weekend for the Big Ten as Penn State beat Yale, utilizing a quick start and a zone defense that kept the Bulldogs off balance. The Nittany Lions, look like the most improved team in the country after an abysmal 2022 campaign. Coach Jeff Tambroni’s Lions have showcased a deep roster of contributors. Matt Traynor was the offensive hero and goalie Jack Fracyon gobbled up 16 saves behind a mix of man and zone defense. Penn comes to Happy Valley this weekend.
FINAL: PSU 13, Yale 11
DOWN GOES YALE!!! Penn State defeats No. 7/5 Yale for the second straight year! #WeAre 🔵⚪ pic.
— Penn State Men’s Lacrosse (@PennStateMLAX) February 25, 2023
twitter.com/PfNYkEa5fX11) Rutgers
Bada bing, bada bang, bada boom. The Scarlet Knights put the pedal to the metal in the third quarter breaking open a 4-4 half-time dead lock with Loyola. RU scored five unanswered forging a 9-4 lead. Shane Knobloch was the man of the match finishing with seven points and Dante Kulas found the net three times. Goalie Kyle Mullin was sharp with 16 saves. The Knights need to develop some bench scoring, complimentary scoring if they expect to challenge for the Big Ten title. St. John’s is up next on Tuesday followed by Utah on Saturday. The win over Loyola looms large because the non-conference schedule isn’t stellar.
Well that was fun‼️‼️
Rutgers earns a 10-6 VICTORY over Loyola!👏#RUMLax pic.
— Rutgers Men’s LAX (@RUmlax) February 25, 2023
twitter.com/JJuzbeSDG710) North Carolina
Just when you thought the Heels couldn’t score, OC Dave Metzbower makes some subtle adjustments and UNC plastered Syracuse 19-13, sending Orange fans into a tizzy. Bryant transfer Logan McGovern finished with eight points. The group shot well. UNC ran by SU defenders with ease. The Orange lack cover-men who can move their feet. This contest would not have been close without the slick playmaking by the Syracuse EMO group.
UNC’s bread will be buttered by goalie Colin Krieg, who was terrific in the second half, and a tenacious defense that currently ranks No.2 in defensive efficiency. Paul Barton, Andrew Geppert, Evan Egan, Matt Wright, along with shorties Connor Maher, Alex Breschi and Ty English gives coach Joe Breschi options on defense.
Opponents are shooting just 22%. Carolina will have to clean up high hits to the head and neck area as these calls are a point of emphasis in 2023.
The Tar Heels entertain Denver in Chapel Hill on Saturday at 11:00am (ACCNX).
Successful Trip 🫡#FamilyAcademicsLacrosse pic.twitter.com/y25PlwhhGz
— UNC Men’s Lacrosse (@UNCMensLacrosse) February 26, 2023
9) Penn
The Quakers lost at home to Duke 14-12 after experiencing a 24:57 power outage in the first half. Cam Rubin had five points and Dylan Gergar chipped in four points. Penn owned a 56-37 advantage in shots, but were -9 in saves and -7 in faceoffs. A late rally came up short. Penn is at Penn State this Saturday at 3:00pm in State College in an important Big Ten vs. Ivy League matchup.
With Sam Handley drawing so much attention, Penn has to find ways to get midfielders Gabe Fury and James Shipley more involved. The second midfield needs to step up if Penn is going to be a factor on the road to Championship Weekend.
Couldn’t quite crack the code late, despite a great comeback attempt as the Quakers fall to Duke at Penn Park on Saturday.
Hat tricks for both Rubin and Gergar in the defeat as we look towards Penn State next weekend.
📰 https://t.co/16sfqIixie#ILPL // #FightOnPenn 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/gssdh7IUQN
— Penn Men’s Lacrosse (@PennMensLax) February 25, 2023
8) Duke
The Blue Devils used a 6-1 second quarter to prevail 14-12 over Penn in Philadelphia on Saturday. Perhaps this win is a signal that Duke is back as a national contender. But recent history indicates that they’ll regress and show past signs of inconsistency.
How can you trust Duke? Until they string together significant wins, you can’t. This win over Penn was significant because nine different players scored goals. Brennan O’Neill led all scorers with five points. Transfer goalie William Helm made 19 stops. Defender Wilson Stephenson, who’s career was nearly derailed by injury in May of 2019, covered Sam Handley and scooped up six grounders, scored a goal, and caused four turnovers. The severity of Stephenson’s injury cannot be overstated and the rehab he has endured to get back on the field has been a mountain of work. Others would have hung up the cleats. He has kept fighting. I find it hard not to root for young men like Wilson.
.@Wilson_S_16 HAD A DAY 👏 pic.twitter.com/zmwj4Cy9hm
— Duke Men’s Lacrosse (@DukeMLAX) February 26, 2023
If Duke’s midfielders come alive, this is a formidable lineup.
Aidan Danenza, Garrett leaden, Charles Balsamo, Owen Caputo, and Jadon Kerry gives OC Matt Danowski some match-up options. Because opponents have to direct so much of their attention on stopping the attack with O’Neill, Dyson Williams and Andrew McAdorey.
Duke travels up to the Dome on Sunday March 5 for a 4:00pm faceoff with Syracuse. Don’t be surprised if SU has to play zone defense, because they just don’t match up well against the Duke offense.
7) Ohio State
The Buckeyes fought hard and eventually relented to Virginia 17-6 on Saturday night. OSU needs to upgrade their ride, clean up their clearing, and find more midfield offense. A 7-4 deficit at halftime bubbled out of control in the final 30 minutes. Jack Myers and Ed Shean scored a pair of goals. OSU had 23 turnovers. Bucks are in the midst of a three game stretch against UVA with Cornell up next and then Notre Dame.
That’s as tough as it gets.
Final from Florida. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/p5EK1atubx
— Ohio State Men’s Lacrosse (@OhioStateMLAX) February 26, 2023
6) Loyola
Fresh off a win over cross-town rival Hopkins, their seventh win in the last ten meetings against the Jays, the Hounds took their show on the road to Rutgers. You knew that Loyola would have a case of the bends from their rapid ascension into the Top 10. They were looking to be crowned Big Ten Champions. Rutgers was not a welcoming host. The Hounds’ offense was anemic, they shot 6 of 35. I like this defense a lot, but Loyola’s attack is going to have to ramp production up if they expect to win the Patriot League and beyond. Double dip week is next with Towson on Wednesday and Lafayette on Saturday.
8:13, 2Q | @LoyolaHounds 3, Rutgers 3
Poitras rolls inside, and James feeds from the top; Poitras turns to score from 10y.
📺 B1G+ ($) https://t.co/YuAL5LlNc2
📈 https://t.co/WmxRqLczk3
📰 https://t.co/NmIbztLkTV#gohounds | #patriotmlax | #ncaalax@Patriot_Gameday | @NCAALAX pic.twitter.com/we9ZAgNa2r— Loyola Men’s Lacrosse (@LoyolaMLAX) February 25, 2023
5) Princeton
The Tigers struggled with Manhattan early on Tuesday night, down 5-3 in the second quarter, before breaking the game open with an 8 goal third quarter. I was impressed with the Jaspers, a group that plays fast, show no fear, are well coached, and get A+ goaltending from Joe Persico. Princeton’s Alex Vardaro scored 4 goals on 5 shots. Coach Matt Madalon platooned goalies Griffen Rakower and Michael Gianforcaro. Let’s see how long it takes for separation. A two goalie system never works. I like their two-way midfield group led by Beau Pederson, Jake Stevens and Marquez White. Princeton has 9 seniors who have already entered the transfer portal and they are keeping their futures a secret, focusing on the now, which I respect.
In this day and age of “look at me” social media, a team-first approach is soup for the soul.
On Saturday against Maryland, the Tigers couldn’t win a faceoff and didn’t win enough individual match-ups on offense, looking punchless in a 11-5 setback. 19 shots on goal isn’t sufficient to win a high level game against Top 10 competition. Maryland held Alex Vardaro to 0-4 shooting. Princeton put just one shot on goal during the first quarter. This offense is still in the early stages of development. Maryland exposed their shortcomings. The Princeton two goalie platoon isn’t working. It never does, and never will. You can’t be an elite stopper when you’re looking over your shoulder or grading every save or non-save. Princeton hosts an 0-3 and angry Georgetown squad this Saturday.
Wes gets on the board. pic.twitter.
— Princeton Men’s Lacrosse (@TigerLacrosse) February 25, 2023
com/tEQTa5SS1e4) Maryland
The Terps started freshman goalie Brian Ruppel (IL No.30 recruit from Catonsville, MD) against Princeton and picked up the 11-5 win as the rookie made 14 saves and anchored an air-tight defense. Brian’s dad Steve is a longtime high ranking D1 referee. Maryland’s identity is crystallizing into a team that wins a ton of faceoffs (Luke Weirman), plays stout defense (Ajax Zappitello and Brett Makar) and uses a team-based approach to wear you down and score. That’s fine and dandy. Defense used to win NCAA titles. Since the inception of the shot-clock, offense wins NCAA titles. Daniel Maltz and Jack Koras were the most impactful offensive weapons, but the Terps benefitted from going 3 for 6 with the EMO. A 7-2 third quarter spurt provided the separation.
The Terps host Notre Dame on BTN+ this Saturday at 1:00pm. I expect Maryland to have success at the dot in a game where goals seem like they’ll be hard to come by.
Maltz again!
He notches his second goal of the day and the Terps have scored twice in less than four minutes to take a 5-1 lead!
Watch: (ESPN+) https://t.co/Fik1c2IjVc #BeTheBest pic.twitter.com/QSyhButrM7
— Maryland Lacrosse (@TerpsMLax) February 25, 2023
3) Cornell
The Big Red eviscerated Lehigh, taking a step forward after a ho-hum debut win against Albany. Their defense is locked in, ranking No.3 in efficiency. The 12-5 win featured a shutout second half, a 48-27 shots advantage and hat tricks from Billy Coyle and CJ Kirst. They flipped a major faceoff disparity by creating 32 turnovers. Cornell plays at Hobart on Tuesday and at Ohio State on Saturday, a strenuous week.
It’s a beautiful day for lacrosse. #YellCornell pic.twitter.com/hqpyWTFNQE
— BRUNER (@BrickNuner67) February 25, 2023
2) Notre Dame
The Irish throttled Georgetown 15-8 looking like a title contender and after three games lead the nation in combined offensive and defensive efficiency. They won their individual matches on defense with Chris Fake, Marco Napolitano and Chris Conlin. Ross Burgmaster, the bag piper, is the fourth man in. The Irish also neutralized the Hoyas paper advantage at the faceoff. The passing was crisp on offense and often resulted in feet set, hands free shooting. Time. Room. Bullseye. That’s the iconic goal call from announcer and ND alum Eamon McAnaney.
Rudy, shooting 36% and (3-0) is at Maryland on Saturday at 1:00pm. Losing 65% of the faceoffs is the reality they may have to overcome.
𝗦𝗻𝗶𝗽𝗲#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/LdpuURUciA
— Notre Dame Lacrosse (@NDlacrosse) February 26, 2023
1) Virginia
The Wahoos played their most complete game of the 2023 season, pulling away from Ohio State on Saturday night in Naples Florida in front of 3,500 fans. The trend of flickering lights after touchdowns or goals in stadiums is misguided. Fans want to see the athletes celebrate. Turning off the lights is never a good idea at a sporting event. The Cavs depth of scoring, ten-man ride, and groundball acumen is elite. Virginia had an abundance of opportunities early that they failed to cash in on, and in the second half they found pay dirt. Richmond plays at Klockner on Saturday at 6:00pm (ACCNX).
🎥 Highlights from tonight’s 17-6 win over No.
— Virginia Men’s Lacrosse (@UVAMensLax) February 26, 2023
9 Ohio State… pic.twitter.com/ywOKVDx56uQuint Kessenich’s Socials
Twitter: @QKessenich
Instagram: @quintekessenich
Facebook: Quint Kessenich
LinkedIn: Quint Kessenich
Griffins 12th in USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Poll
Baseball
Baseball: Facebook
Baseball: Twitter
Baseball: Instagram
Baseball: Schedule
Baseball: Roster
Baseball: News
Basketball
Basketball: Facebook
Basketball: Twitter
Basketball: Schedule
Basketball: Roster
Basketball: News
Cross Country
Cross Country: Facebook
Cross Country: Twitter
Cross Country: Instagram
Cross Country: Schedule
Cross Country: Roster
Cross Country: News
Football
Football: Facebook
Football: Twitter
Football: Schedule
Football: Roster
Football: News
Lacrosse
Lacrosse: Facebook
Lacrosse: Twitter
Lacrosse: Instagram
Lacrosse: Schedule
Lacrosse: Roster
Lacrosse: News
Soccer
Soccer: Facebook
Soccer: Twitter
Soccer: Instagram
Soccer: Schedule
Soccer: Roster
Soccer: News
Track And Field
Track And Field: Facebook
Track And Field: Twitter
Track And Field: Instagram
Track And Field: Schedule
Track And Field: Roster
Track And Field: News
Wrestling
Wrestling: Facebook
Wrestling: Twitter
Wrestling: Schedule
Wrestling: Roster
Wrestling: News
Basketball
Basketball: Facebook
Basketball: Twitter
Basketball: Instagram
Basketball: Schedule
Basketball: Roster
Basketball: News
Cross Country
Cross Country: Facebook
Cross Country: Twitter
Cross Country: Instagram
Cross Country: Schedule
Cross Country: Roster
Cross Country: News
Equestrian
Equestrian: Facebook
Equestrian: Twitter
Equestrian: Instagram
Equestrian: Schedule
Equestrian: Roster
Equestrian: News
Golf
Golf: Facebook
Golf: Twitter
Golf: Instagram
Golf: Schedule
Golf: Roster
Golf: News
Lacrosse
Lacrosse: Facebook
Lacrosse: Twitter
Lacrosse: Instagram
Lacrosse: Schedule
Lacrosse: Roster
Lacrosse: News
Softball
Softball: Facebook
Softball: Twitter
Softball: Instagram
Softball: Schedule
Softball: Roster
Softball: News
Soccer
Soccer: Facebook
Soccer: Twitter
Soccer: Instagram
Soccer: Schedule
Soccer: Roster
Soccer: News
Tennis
Tennis: Facebook
Tennis: Twitter
Tennis: Instagram
Tennis: Schedule
Tennis: Roster
Tennis: News
Track And Field
Track And Field: Facebook
Track And Field: Twitter
Track And Field: Instagram
Track And Field: Schedule
Track And Field: Roster
Track And Field: News
Volleyball
Volleyball: Facebook
Volleyball: Twitter
Volleyball: Instagram
Volleyball: Schedule
Volleyball: Roster
Volleyball: News
Esports
Esports: Twitter
Esports: Instagram
Esports: Schedule
Esports: Roster
Esports: News
Athletic Department Philosophy
Athletic Training Services
Compliance
Composite Calendar
Facilities
Facility Rental Fees
Hall of Fame Members
Hall of Fame Nominations
NIL Policy
Staff Directory
Student-Athlete Handbook
Make A Wish
SAAC
2022 Griffin Sports Awards
Baseball
Men’s Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Men’s Lacrosse
Men’s Soccer
Track and Field
Wrestling
Women’s Basketball
Cross Country
Equestrian
Women’s Golf
Women’s Lacrosse
Softball
Women’s Soccer
Women’s Tennis
Track And Field
Volleyball
Live Stats
Live Video
PSAC Network (Apple Store)
Westmoreland Sports Network
Social Media Directory
Tailgate Guidelines
Tickets and Parking Information
Visitor’s Guide
Zegras did a great lacrosse goal! His generation is changing the game right before our eyes – Ovechkin and gray hairs – Blogs
Ovechkin and gray hairs
Blog
The revolution happened while you were sleeping.
Hockey will never be the same again, the revolution happened while you were sleeping; she was peaceful and calm. The empty stands of the Montreal arena greeted her with respectful silence.
Yes, Trevor Zegras performed another masterpiece. Again lightning-fast lacrosse from behind the gate.
All right, it happened. The thin American and his peers – including our Andrey Svechnikov – made lacrosse an ordinary hockey technique, the same stick-horse-stick (a feint, which for some reason is officially called the other way around – “horse-stick-horse”). From now on, it will be mandatory for the arsenal of any self-respecting techie.
Starting from this moment, goalkeepers and defense are simply obliged to practice countering this technique – not in an optional mode, as it was before, but in all seriousness.
Because the technical and psychological development of hockey players has made lacrosse possible in almost any situation; until the final approval of lacrosse in hockey, it remains to wait until it happens in the NHL playoffs – but Svechnikov or Zegras (Anaheim has a chance to exit) can create it this spring.
What attracts Zegras most of all in his fresh puck is the everydayness of his performance. Yes, it still looks enchanting, but he didn’t even need a pause outside the gate, he didn’t have to go to some special position or trajectory: Trevor just drove out of the gate and thought along the way – why not? He put the puck on the hook and pulled it out of the net – in one smooth and elusive movement. Kuznetsov, in the same mode, you may remember, makes blind discounts behind the back from behind the gate, for a penny to a partner – it is difficult to defend against them precisely because it is impossible to read, it is impossible to react to it. Half a second – and the puck is already on the penny.
Half a second – and she is already at the gate.
Zegras’ goal looks like he’s hit them 15-20 already – his first lacrosse in the NHL.
It was the same with his pass from behind the net to Sonny Milano – an exclusive thing that looked like it had been worked out in training and used regularly.
Henrik Lundqvist spoke about that pass in detail – that’s it, now goalkeepers need to prepare for such tricks, keep in mind that this is possible, and think about what to do, because the goalkeeper could intercept this.
I don’t know what goaltenders and defensemen are going to come up with to cover things effectively, but I see this as great news for hockey. The game is developing and before our eyes it is reaching a new technical level, a new level of using the playing space. Zegras, Svechnikov and the new generation of hockey players in general open up new facets of the game, new dimensions.
This does not mean that in the NHL-2030 the puck will fly through the air and hit the net only after lacrosse; this means that the hockey that we have seen over the past 10-15 years is not its final version.
This means that the existing framework and rules have not been fully explored, which means that the development of the game is possible in this configuration. This means that these frames do not need to be deformed to make hockey even more interesting. Hockey 3-on-3? Good idea, but there seems to be too little room for development.
I don’t know what future hockey will look like with Trevor Zegras leading us by the hand; I’m sure I’ll be showing Buffalo 2011 to my grandchildren and they won’t recognize their favorite game; just like I don’t recognize hockey by looking at the 1972 Super Series.
Good news, in short: life goes on.
Photo: REUTERS/Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports; Gettyimages.ru/Harry How; ska.ru
“One of the best lacrosse goals in history.” What is written in the world about Michkov’s incredible puck
Completely outrageous, magical, bold – this is an incomplete set of epithets that describe the Russian masterpiece. Some people are just speechless.
My God, Matvey Michkov! “I’ll finish everything now!” – I just want to yell in Cherdantsev’s voice.
Probably everyone who watched the match between Russia and Sweden at the Karjala Cup felt approximately the same emotions. The 16-year-old debutant of the Russian national team played his second match for the national team, took aim, screwed up a killer moment in the first period, and in the second … Oh, this must be seen.
“This could be one of the best lacrosse goals ever”
The hockey world exhaled in admiration and rushed to pay compliments to the Russian prodigy. “Championship” cites the most striking statements of journalists and experts.
“All: 16 year old fails to score a lacrosse goal in his second match for the national team. Matvey Michkov: hold my stick, ”SKA-1946 tweeted.
“Michkov was able to anticipate events, notice that the goalkeeper was out of position, decide what he was going to do and execute everything in just one second.
Just an explosion of the brain, ”admired the author of Draft Prospects Hockey Nick Malmström.
“This could be one of the best lacrosse goals ever. Usually such goals are planned. There is a player, he has time and space, and he slowly does everything. Michkov picks up the bouncing puck and improvises as it stands on edge. Such dexterity that it is a complete waste, ”wrote The Athletic columnist Scott Wheeler.
“Not bad for a 16 year old,” said Canadian journalist Frank Seravalli.
“The youngest player in the history of the Russian national team and now the youngest scorer. Michkov continues to dazzle with talent. He’s just fooling around,” says American journalist Chris Peters.
“It’s not nice when Sweden gets scored. But if they do it like that, one can only bow.”
“Oh God! Russian hockey prodigy Matvey Michkov opened the scoring in style with his goals for the national team,” writes Iltalehti.
“There are no words. Matvey Michkov,” Dobber Prospects author Eetu Siltanen was speechless.
“16-year-old Michkov scores an unforgettable goal. So beautiful and bold,” writes hockeynews.se journalist Matthias Ek.
“That’s where he became the first round for any NHL team. I have to admit, it’s just amazing. It is always unpleasant when someone scores against Sweden, but if you do it like this, you can only bow to you, ”said famous Swedish hockey player, member of the Triple Gold Club, Håkan Loob.
“This is an unforgettable moment for him and for his career. This moment will be played endlessly throughout the hockey world, ”says journalist Chris Härenstam.
“Wow, Michkov! Supertalent gave Sweden a real delicacy. Matvey Michkov continues to amaze the entire hockey world. At the age of 16, he had already begun to score points in the KHL, and now he was given the chance to play in the national team. And he took advantage of it. They have been talking about Michkov for a long time and after his debut puck for the national team they will talk no less, ”admires the Swedish edition of Hockey Sverige.
