Brief history of ACC lacrosse and rise to prominence
Back in the day, the ACC was once a one-team show when it came to men’s lacrosse. Syracuse dominated the conference after joining in 2013, rattling off four straight ACC tournament titles from 2015-2018. My buddies and I used to think the Orange would reign supreme forever.
But over the past few seasons, the talent has spread out across the ACC. Now I gotta tell ya – the conference has never been more stacked from top to bottom. Any one of these fiercely competitive teams could hoist the trophy come May.
Key storylines and changes for ACC lacrosse in 2022
As an avid lacrosse fan since my college days, I’ve been following all the juicy offseason storylines. Here’s the dish on what’s cooking this year in ACC lacrosse:
- North Carolina enters as defending champs after dethroning Syracuse last season. Can the Tar Heels go back-to-back?
- Virginia is hungry to reclaim their perch after dropping the last two ACC title games. Never count out the Cavaliers.
- Notre Dame and Duke made splashes in recruiting. The Irish and Blue Devils are rising fast.
- The shot clock has dropped to 60 seconds. Buckle up for more transition opportunities.
- ESPN is broadcasting more games than ever before. The ACC will be in the spotlight.
Man oh man, I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for opening faceoff! Let’s break down the top title contenders and storylines:
Preseason ACC lacrosse rankings and predictions
The preseason ACC coaches poll has Syracuse at #1, but defending champ UNC close behind at #2. Virginia, Duke, and Notre Dame round out the top 5.
But preseason polls can be misleading. Based on offseason roster changes, here’s how I predict the ACC standings will shake out:
- Syracuse Orange
- North Carolina Tar Heels
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Duke Blue Devils
- Virginia Cavaliers
I know, I’m going out on a limb putting the Irish ahead of the more established Duke and Virginia programs. But Notre Dame’s scary midfield playmakers could be the difference-maker.
Top players to watch in ACC lacrosse this season
From snipers to brick wall goalies, the ACC is packed with exciting talent. Here are some of the must-see players I’ll be watching closely:
- Michael Sowers, Attack, Duke – This slippery scorer is neck-and-neck with Syracuse’s Stephen Rehfuss for best offensive threat in the league.
- Bryan Costabile, Attack, Notre Dame – Costabile’s blistering shot clock beating goals are a work of art.
- Petey LaSalla, Defense, Virginia – LaSalla gobbles up ground balls like a monster gobbling snacks. Exciting to watch this beast clear the ball.
- Collin Krieg, Goalie, Syracuse – His highlight reel kick saves rival those of the top Premier League goalkeepers.
When these stars clash on the big stage, we’re in for some fireworks!
Let’s explore some of the top title contenders:
Syracuse’s quest to reclaim ACC lacrosse supremacy
Ho-lee smokes! Syracuse’s offense this year is loaded for bear. I’ll do play-by-play for their starting attack – first up is scoring machine Stephen Rehfuss, dodging from X and bouncing a shot top cheddar. Whammo! Next is flashy-passing wizard Tucker Dordevic to clean up any garbage around the crease. Last but not least is freshman phenom Joey Spallina, son of legendary coach Dom Spallina, who can absolutely zip the ball. Look out for Syracuse to light up the scoreboard this season.
Can North Carolina build on their 2021 ACC title?
Don’t sleep on the Tar Heels. That championship last year was no fluke. UNC head coach Joe Breschi has quietly assembled a defensive force to be reckoned with. Goalie Collin Krieg is a monster in the cage. Combine that brick wall with takeaway artists like Nick Rahill and Coleman Schmidt – I pity the fool who tries dodge on these fellas. If their offense can make enough plays, UNC has the defense to capture another ACC crown.
Virginia seeking return to ACC lacrosse dominance
Virginia has hit a slight dip since the glory days of Lars Tiffany. But make no mistake – winning still pumps through the Cavaliers’ bloodstream. This program’s championship DNA and disciplined system keeps them primed to make another title run. Virginia’s offense should hum efficiently with Matt Moore distributing dimes. And Petey LaSalla is a demon causing havoc on defense. Write off Virginia at your own peril.
Well dang, I’m all out of breath just thinking about this action-packed ACC lacrosse season ahead. Strap on your helmets folks, because we’re in for a wild ride! Let me know in the comments who YOU think will be crowned kings of the ACC in 2022.
Key storylines and changes for ACC lacrosse in 2022
Greetings, fellow lacrosse enthusiasts! Yours truly here, still pumped about the thrilling ACC lacrosse season ahead. As we gear up for the opening face-off, let’s dive into the key storylines and changes that’ll shape conference play in 2022.
First up, we’ve gotta talk about the big swinging pendulum of power in the ACC. North Carolina enters as defending conference tournament champs after their epic overtime takedown of Syracuse last May. But you best believe the Orange are champing at the bit for revenge this year. Buckle up for the latest chapter in this budding rivalry.
Meanwhile, Virginia and Duke have reloaded with killer recruiting classes. Never underestimate the Cavaliers’ championship pedigree. And them Duke boys have more five-star talent than a luxury beach resort. Don’t sleep on either squad making a title run.
Notre Dame could also shake things up big time. Irish head coach Kevin Corrigan went out and snagged a doozy of a transfer in Virginia’s former leading scorer. Couple that firepower with ND’s run ‘n gun midfielders, and they’ll be a handful for any defense.
Off the field, one potential game-changer this season is the implementation of a 60-second shot clock. Look for more uptempo, transition-focused gameplay as teams push to beat the clock. I’ll have my popcorn ready for the inevitable scramble situations!
From a fan perspective, us lacrosse die-hards are stoked that ESPN is broadcasting more ACC games than ever before. Nothing like gathering ’round the flatscreen with cold ones in hand to cheer on our alma maters. The national exposure will keep attracting more blue chippers to these prestigious programs too.
Wowee, I’m frothing at the mouth envisioning all the juicy storylines! Who’s your pick to take the ACC crown this year? Let the heated debates commence until opening whistle. Grab your stick and buckle up – we’re in for a wild ride!
Preseason ACC lacrosse rankings and predictions
Howdy folks! With opening face-off nearing, us lacrosse lovers are chomping at the bit to see those preseason ACC rankings. I know they don’t mean diddly once the whistles start blowing, but hey – rankings spark good ol’ fashioned debate!
The ACC coaches poll has Syracuse sitting pretty at #1 heading into 2022. After the beatdown UNC put on ’em in last year’s title bout, I’ll admit I’m somewhat surprised. But that terrifying Orange offense could shred through anyone on a good day.
Speaking of UNC, the Tar Heels snag the #2 spot in the coaches poll. As defending conference champs, this dangerous squad definitely deserves respect. Their lockdown defense is one of the nation’s finest.
After the top two, we’ve got a Virginia/Duke/Notre Dame logjam at 3/4/5. Virginia and Duke both reloaded through recruiting, while ND brings back a lethal one-two punch of midfielders.
But c’mon now, preseason rankings are mostly hot air and speculation. If I had to peg a true order of finish based on personnel, it’d look more like this:
- Syracuse Orange
- North Carolina Tar Heels
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Duke Blue Devils
- Virginia Cavaliers
I know, bold of me to slot untested Notre Dame above the establishment in Duke and Virginia. But the Irish offense could be on another level this year. And Syracuse may still be a hair better than UNC if they meet again in the finals.
But hey, that’s just my two cents! The beauty of the ACC is that it’s so darn competitive from top to bottom. Preseason guesses are just idle chatter until we settle it on the field. Let me hear your thoughts on the outlook for this season!
Top players to watch in ACC lacrosse this season
Howdy folks! Let’s shift gears and talk about the incredible individual talent lighting up ACC lacrosse this year. From sharpshooting attackmen to brick wall goalies, this league is jam packed with must-see players. Here are some of my way-too-early favorites to click on the ol’ DVR:
Leading the charge is Duke’s Michael Sowers, a wizard with the ball who can thread needles that don’t even exist. This slippery midfielder devastates defenses with his off-ball movement and vision. Expect an endless highlight reel of dimes from Sowers.
If it’s electric finishing ability you want, look no further than Notre Dame’s Bryan Costabile. This dude’s shot is straight fire. Defenders bounce off Costabile like rubber bands as he powers to the rack for acrobatic goals. Must watch TV.
Between the pipes, Syracuse’s Collin Krieg is an absolute monster. Krieg gobbles up point blank shots like Pacman. And he’s got an otherworldly kick save in his arsenal for when attackers slip through. You’ll pick your jaw up off the floor watching Krieg rob goals.
On defense, UVA’s Petey LaSalla is a relentless turnover machine. LaSalla scoops more ground balls than an army of kindergarteners at recess. And he’ll pick pocket anyone who dares try to dodge on him. A true joy to watch him ignite transition opportunities.
Of course, I’m just scratching the surface on the talent in this league. From freshman phenoms to wily veterans, ACC lacrosse is packed to the gills with explosive playmakers. I simply can’t wait to fire up the ol’ flatscreen and watch ’em go to work! Who are you most excited to watch this season?
Analysis of top ACC lacrosse teams and title contenders
Howdy folks! Now that we’ve spotlighted some key players, let’s dive into analysis of the top ACC lacrosse teams expected to contend for the conference crown.
The obvious frontrunner is Syracuse, who consistently boasts one of the nation’s most fearsome attacks. Their starting trio of Rehfuss, Dordevic, and Spallina could roll out of bed and put up 10 goals. If the Orange get even average goalie play, watch out.
But don’t sleep on defending champ North Carolina. The Heels demonstrated last season they have the defensive horses to stymie anyone. Goalie Collin Krieg is an absolute wall. UNC excels at forcing low-scoring slugfests – if their middies can cash in transition opportunities, they’ll be right back in the title hunt.
While Duke and Virginia may be a hair behind Syracuse and UNC, both are capable of capturing ACC supremacy on any given day. Duke’s astounding depth means they can run waves of talent at you. And UVA’s methodical system keeps them disciplined and efficient on both ends.
The darkhorse is clearly Notre Dame. Most coaches pegged them middle of the pack, but the Irish are my sneaky bet to shake up the establishment. Their Voodoo midfield unit is downright unfair, and adding a proven scorer like Cross could put their offense over the top.
Of course, even the “worst” ACC lacrosse teams are still darn solid. From feisty upstarts like Boston College to stalwarts like Maryland, every conference game will be a battle. But when the dust settles, I believe the Orange, Heels, Irish and Blue Devils have the juice to take the crown this spring. Let me know if you agree or disagree!
Syracuse’s quest to reclaim ACC lacrosse supremacy
Folks, now it’s time to dive into ‘Cuse – the orange elephant in the room when it comes to ACC lacrosse. Syracuse dominated this conference with 4 straight titles from 2015-2018. But the last two seasons have seen them dethroned by upstart challengers.
You better believe Syracuse is chomping at the bit to retake their perch atop the ACC throne in 2022. And on paper, this could be the year. Their starting attack of Rehfuss, Dordevic, and Spallina could notch 20 combined goals on a sunny day. Sheesh.
Midfield remains a question mark for the Orange, but unproven players like Hendrickson and Curcio are oozing with raw potential. If they can initiate transition and capitalize on the gravity of that star attack, Syracuse will light up scoreboards.
Defense and goaltending are also concerns, but serviceable play there would be enough with the Orange’s nuclear offense. Collin Krieg demonstrated for UNC last year that an elite netminder can lift a team to glory.
While UNC and Notre Dame will make strong title pushes, I believe this is Syracuse’s year to reascend the ACC throne. That amount of firepower is simply unfair. Their attack unit should shred nets all spring long en route to claiming the crown back for the Orange.
But hey, that’s just my early prediction. The beauty of the ACC is that it’s so darn competitive these days. Let me know if you think someone can halt Syracuse’s quest to regain conference supremacy!
Can North Carolina build on their 2021 ACC title?
Howdy folks! Syracuse isn’t the only ACC lacrosse squad with a championship pedigree. We can’t gloss over the gritty defending conference champs in North Carolina.
Make no mistake – that ACC tournament triumph last spring was no fluke for the Tar Heels. UNC boasts arguably the nation’s stingiest defense, backed by brick wall goalie Collin Krieg. He makes more acrobatic saves than an Olympic gymnast.
The Heels midfield is sneaky loaded with playmakers like Schmidt, Horne, and Topouzis. They excel at clamping down on opponents then cashing transition buckets. If UNC’s dodgers can draw slides to open up this unit, their offense will hum.
While not as outright explosive as ‘Cuse on attack, UNC’s balance and discipline gets the job done. Coach Joe Breschi has this squad drilled to execute their system to perfection. They’ll drain shot clock patiently and pounce on any mistakes.
Many will rightly peg the Orange as ACC favorites, but it’s foolish to discount North Carolina. This team has the exact formula that earned them the 2021 crown – stifling defense and clinical transition offense. I expect nothing less than another deep ACC tourney run from the Tar Heels.
It will be so fun to watch UNC and ‘Cuse clash as budding rivals atop this conference. Two juggernauts, one trophy. Let me know if you think someone else could spoil the party and swipe the ACC title!
Virginia seeking return to ACC lacrosse dominance
Folks, we’ve talked Syracuse and UNC, but let’s not forget Virginia when discussing ACC lacrosse supremacy. The Cavaliers have some serious history in this conference.
Under renowned coach Lars Tiffany, Virginia captured 4 ACC crowns in the last decade and made the NCAA finals in 2019. They play a refined, systematic brand of lacrosse on both ends – almost robotic in their discipline and execution.
While the last two seasons have seen UVA take slight steps back, they appear primed for a resurgence in 2022. The offense will hum efficiently with distributor Matt Moore quarterbacking. He’s a field general who almost never makes mistakes.
The key for Virginia will be production from unproven players like Petey LaSalla and Payton Cormier. LaSalla is a wrecking ball causing turnovers on defense. And Cormier’s dodging could add a dynamic scoring element.
Doubting Virginia would be foolish – they have the championship DNA. If Moore can keep the offense on schedule and the defense returns to lockdown form, UVA should contend for another ACC title.
I expect nothing less than a vintage Virginia performance this spring. They’ll play disciplined, efficient lacrosse and wait for opponents to blink first. The Cavaliers seem poised to make another ACC championship push – never count them out.
Let me know if you agree that Virginia’s systematic style could carry them back atop the conference! I can’t wait to see these storylines play out soon.
Notre Dame and Duke hoping to challenge for ACC lacrosse crown
Howdy folks! Beyond the obvious contenders Syracuse, UNC and Virginia, a couple dark horses could shake up the ACC lacrosse hierarchy this spring.
Let’s start with Notre Dame. The Irish always boast sick talent, but getting over the hump in the ACC has been a challenge. That could change in 2022.
Notre Dame’s vaunted midfield is simply unfair, headlined by human highlight reel Bryan Costabile. He breaks ankles like Iverson out there. The Irish also added Tewaaraton finalist Jamie Trimboli, a proven scorer.
If the pieces gel, Notre Dame’s transition offense will be lightning in a bottle. Their starters can literally run circles around opponents. Even average attack play could be enough to let them keep pace with the ACC’s elite.
Then there’s Duke, who simply reloads 5-star talent every year. They have the depth to run whole platoons and not drop off. Midfielder Michael Sowers is a wizard with the rock, dropping dimes like candy.
Questions in goal and limited upside on attack might hinder Duke slightly. But few teams boast the Blue Devils’ sheer depth and athleticism across the board. Write them off as a title threat at your own peril.
What do y’all think – can one of these dark horse squads swipe the crown from ‘Cuse or UNC? Notre Dame and Duke certainly have the talent to shake up the ACC title picture. We’ll find out soon enough once the whistles start blowing!
Dark horse ACC lacrosse teams that could surprise
Howdy folks! Beyond the obvious heavy hitters, a few dark horse squads could make noise in the ACC lacrosse title picture.
Don’t sleep on Boston College. The Eagles tout one of the nation’s most punishing defenses, built on physicality and tenacity. Goalie Eric Bench has a howitzer clearing game to ignite transition. If their offense gels, BC is a matchup nightmare.
Maryland flew under the radar last season but boast scary young talent. Attackman Jake Higgins could be a breakout star after flashing brilliance as a freshman. With a little more seasoning, Maryland’s offense might just catch fire this spring.
While unlikely ACC title threats, schools like Pitt, Syracuse and North Carolina also have potential to play spoiler. Pitt’s methodical offense limits mistakes. Syracuse’s athleticism makes them pesky. And UNC’s structured system keeps them in any slugfest.
So while the big boys like ‘Cuse, Duke and UVA duke it out up top, don’t pencil in any easy W’s against the ACC underdogs. The conference’s depth is no joke – even bottom feeders like Bellarmine and Notre Dame can compete on a given day.
Parity has never been greater in the ACC. I suspect we’ll see some shocking upsets that jumble the standings come tourney time. Anything could happen once these dark horses get a shot on the big stage!
Importance of ACC lacrosse tournament and impact on NCAA tourney
Folks, the ACC lacrosse tourney is must-see TV every May for good reason. This intense battle for the conference crown has major NCAA tournament implications.
As the undisputed best lacrosse league, the ACC winner often snags the overall #1 seed. That’s crucial for landing home field through Memorial Day Weekend. The difference between playing at Homewood versus going to Upstate New York is huge.
The ACC tourney also shakes up the bracket pecking order. Schools like Virginia, Syracuse and Duke expect to host opening rounds. But drop two games in the ACCs, and suddenly you’re shipped to campus sites as a 7-8 seed.
Individual players have plenty on the line too. ACC tourney performances can make or break Tewaaraton resumes. These games are closely scouted by pro GMs to evaluate prospects for the PLL draft.
And nothing compares to the intensity of ACC tourney lacrosse. Packed crowds, school pride on the line, and arch rivals battling – it’s the perfect preamble to Memorial Day. I get chills just thinking about it!
Bottom line, the ACC tourney has severed as a springboard to championships for many squads over the years. Winning those two or three games in May sets the tone entering the Big Dance. I can’t wait to see it shake out soon!
ESPN’s expanded TV coverage a boost for ACC lacrosse visibility
Folks, one exciting development this season is ESPN massively expanding their lacrosse coverage. More ACC games on the Worldwide Leader means big things for the sport’s visibility.
Now even casual sports fans can easily watch top matchups like Duke vs. Syracuse and UNC vs. Notre Dame from their living rooms. No longer will us diehards need sketchy bootleg streams!
The announcers also do a nice job explaining lacrosse rules and nuances to draw in new viewers. I love when they break down things like two-man games or ride technique for newcomers.
Most importantly, the ESPN platform lets the athleticism and excitement of lacrosse shine through. Sick highlight reel goals and monster hits now get immortalized on Sportscenter Top 10 Plays.
Increased visibility inevitably boosts recruiting as well. Blue chip athletes who may not have considered lacrosse before could discover a passion for the sport watching ACC games on TV.
It’s all part of lacrosse’s steady rise in popularity over the last decade. This ESPN deal proves the ACC is very much at the forefront. I can’t wait to kick back and enjoy all the exciting action beamed onto my flatscreen this spring!
How changes to NCAA lacrosse rules could affect ACC play
Folks, some intriguing NCAA rule tweaks this offseason could really impact ACC lacrosse competition and strategy.
Most notably, the shot clock has been reduced to 60 seconds instead of 80. That speeding up of possessions favors athletic, transition-based teams like Syracuse and Notre Dame who play uptempo.
The dive shot to initiate possessions has been banned too. This should benefit disciplined teams like UVA who rely on elaborate offensive sets and dodging. No more easy bailout goals when the offense stalls early in the clock.
Faceoff specialists also cannot clamp the ball anymore, eliminating what was often a 10-15 second possession when FOGOs corralled the clamp cleanly. Again, that favors teams with dynamic dodgers and ball movement.
On defense, a big change is allowing D-middies to freely substitute after possessions, rather than waiting for dead balls. Look for aggressive, high-pressure teams like Duke and UNC to really utilize hyper-athletic defenders in rotations.
How will it all shake out in the ACC? I suspect we’ll see higher scores and faster paced games with fewer stall-ball situations. May the most athletic, skilled teams win! I can’t wait to see this exciting brand of lacrosse hit the field.
ACC continuing to raise profile as America’s top lacrosse conference
Folks, there’s no doubt in my mind that the ACC sits firmly atop the mountain as the premier lacrosse conference in America.
The sheer amount of talent pumping through ACC programs is mind boggling. Take one glance at the Tewaaraton watch lists and All-American teams each year – ACC names litter the rankings.
Between powerhouses like Syracuse, Duke, UVA and UNC, the ACC boasts at least 3-4 legitimate title contenders every season. Parity across the league is unmatched, making every single game a battle.
Consistently massive crowds and electric atmospheres at ACC venues demonstrate the conference’s preeminence. Games at Carrier Dome, Homewood Field and Kehoe Field are bucket list events for any lacrosse lover.
And as mentioned earlier, the ACC tourney is must-see TV and a springboard to NCAA success. The stakes, rivalries and passion on display in May are second to none.
Thanks to increased ESPN coverage and expanding hotbeds, I see the ACC only further cementing itself as lacrosse’s marquee conference. Traditions run deep, and pedigree matters. The road to a national title runs directly through ACC country – now and for the foreseeable future.
Prediction on which team will reign supreme in 2022 ACC lacrosse
Alright folks, it’s time to go out on a limb and make my way-too-early fearless prediction on who will emerge victorious in the 2022 ACC lacrosse championship!
As discussed earlier, Syracuse and North Carolina appear to be the class of the league heading into the season. It’s hard to bet against the offensive firepower of the Orange or the stifling defense of the Tar Heels.
But for my money, I’m picking Syracuse to reclaim ACC supremacy this spring. That starting attack unit is just unfair. Goalies will have nightmares all season trying to stop Rehfuss, Dordevic and Spallina.
If the Orange middies can cash in on the gravity that terrifying trio creates, Syracuse should coast past 15+ goals most games. Even marginal defensive improvement could be enough to lift them back to the ACC mountaintop.
UNC will push them as defending champs, but I don’t know that the Heels have the offensive upside to keep pace if Syracuse is scoring at will. Virginia, Duke and Notre Dame all have enough question marks that I can’t pick them either.
So there you have it – I’m betting on the Orange to cut down the nets in May. Their offensive firepower will simply overwhelm opponents all spring long. Let me know if you agree or have a different 2022 ACC lacrosse champion prediction! The countdown to faceoff continues…
