On the Run: Week 3 NCAA Lacrosse Blog

Welcome to On the Run. Here's what happened in college lacrosse this weekend, plus some little things that I loved. Quick and easy to read while you're on the run!

🍊 The HEADLINER: THE REFS GOT IT RIGHT

The storyline that stole the show this weekend.

Everyone is talking about how controversial the 'disallowed' Michael Leo overtime goal for Syracuse is.

There is nothing controversial about this. It's not a goal.

Leo dove on his own power and landed in the goal mouth after scoring. It's an easy call, and I'm happy to see the refs get the call right, especially after a review too.

You can not like the rule. That's fine. I would disagree with you though. I think it's a good rule. It protects the goalie (Monmouth got a penalty for hitting the goalie on Sunday) and also forces the offensive player to be somewhat cautious around the net. You can tell me that's not fun, because I know it isn't. 

I would be okay if they got rid of the goal mouth and refs were able to review crease dives vs being pushed into the crease, but that wouldn't solve anything either. If anything, it could make it worse because of how subjective it would be, similar to what is considered a catch in the NFL.

Also, I love a good Syracuse lacrosse fan meltdown. It's one of the best running themes in the sport. Death, taxes, and Syracuse lacrosse fans being upset.

I know Syracuse fans are still blaming the loss on the refs (and unrightfully so), but I would be outraged by this effort leading to Maryland's game-winning goal. I mean come on. After a few minutes of waiting for the review, you can't even be organized and communicate in the ride? 

I get being a sports fan and wanting to be upset at something (refs) other than your team just losing the game.

But there's zero grounds for it. It's not a goal. 

❗Other Important Things

What else happened?

1. quinnipiac will make some noise in the maac

I'm not high at all on Brown this season, but Quinnipiac's 13-7 win over the Bears on Saturday is no mistake. The Bobcats have a high-powered offense led by the Donnery brothers, John DeLucia, and Steven Germain, who are all quality players that have impressed early on in the season.

2. army beats rutgers 16-7

The Black Knights might actually make the Final Four, but then again there's also like 10 other teams that could realistically make it.

3. 🏆 your 2025 tewaaraton winner: braden erksa

He's so so good. Very skilled and smooth and lets the game come to him. From Bernhardt, to Wisnauskas, to Erksa (next in line for #1), congrats Terps fans on another future Tewaaraton winner. 

🆒 THINGS THAT HAPPENED 

From a nifty substitution to a highlight-reel goal and everything in between. Here are the little things that maybe weren't the star of the weekend, but things I still enjoyed.

1. luke williams groundball to goal

Grit play of the week!

2. willem firth = jeff teat

Both Hill Academy graduates. Both wear 51 at Cornell. Both future top players in NCAA?

3. CHRIS CRAPANZANO PERFECT SHOT

Snipe with no angle.

4. virginia hidden ball trick

Can't believe this still works.

5. matthew minicus low to high

Smooth!

6. coulter mackesy is still good

He'll be in the conversation for a Tewaaraton finalist spot.

📈STOCK RIsING

We know about the stars of college lacrosse - who's flying under the radar?

1. luke rhoa (midfield - syracuse)

He might quietly become the go-to option for the Orange if he keeps getting a short-stick. Very two handed, very good shooter, very fun to watch.

2. jack cASCADDEN (FACEOFF - CORNELL)

I kinda just looked at stats and saw he went 75% with a goal, but he impressed last year as a freshman and has taken over the starting role as a sophomore. If the Big Red make another tournament run, he'll be an integral part it.

I hope you enjoyed this week's edition of On the Run and hope to see you next week.

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