Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Three teams advance to the Premier Lacrosse League semifinals.
The Redwoods, Waterdogs and Cannons will join the top-seeded Archers, who had a first-round bye, in the PLL semifinals next Sunday.
The Redwoods are moving on to the semifinals for the first time since 2020 after downing the Chaos 15-9. Wes Berg tallied a record seven goals.
The defending champion Waterdogs advanced with a 15-12 triumph over the Whipsnakes. The Whips will miss the semifinals for the first time in league history.
The Cannons’ turnaround season continues after a dominant 20-11 win against the Atlas.
SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE
Games will be played at James M. Shuart Stadium on the campus of Hofstra University.
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No. 4 Redwoods vs. No. 1 Archers, 3 p.m., ABC
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No. 3 Waterdogs vs. No. 2 Cannons, 5:30 p.m., ABC
2. Stanford, Cal joining the ACC in all sports.
Conference realignment has continued, with Stanford and Cal departing the Pac-12 for the ACC beginning in 2024-25. Both schools sponsor women’s lacrosse. Stanford last won the Pac-12 in 2022. All six schools in the Pac-12 that have women’s lacrosse programs have announced moves to new conferences. Read more.
3. Jared Bernhardt announces next move.
Jared Bernhardt is returning to lacrosse after a football-induced hiatus that included a stint with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Bernhardt will be the director of player development at his alma mater, Maryland, where he won a Tewaaraton. Full story.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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Asher Nolting of the Cannons didn’t win MVP this season — that went to Tom Schreiber — but he is considered one of the league’s best this season and has the Cannons on the brink of history. Ditching imposter syndrome has been critical to his success.
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Best defense ever? Quite possibly. Matt DaSilva dives into how the U.S. men’s national team set the gold standard.
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Sept. 1 kicked off the recruiting period for the class of 2025. This year’s Inside Lacrosse No. 1 prospects don’t have to look far for advice on how to handle the distinction.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
The Atlas bowed out Monday, but not before gifting fans this highlight-reel play.
OH MAN. @Chrisgray04__ BTB ASSIST TO THE @XanderDickson GOAL. WOW. pic.twitter.com/dp49pXmrJu
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) September 4, 2023
WHAT’S ON TAP
Jack Goods shares his thoughts on the PLL playoffs in his weekly notebook.
