ESPN Launches NCAA Lacrosse TV Schedule and 2022 Season Preview
ESPN released its TV schedules for Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse yesterday, and it is the most extensive coverage ever for the sport. On the women’s side, nine on ESPNU and 20 on ACC Network; on the men’s side, 46 games will be aired on TV across ACC Network, ESPNU and ESPN2.
The men’s season will launch with Fri. Feb. 4 at 5 PM EST on ACC Network as Robert Morris takes a trip down to Durham to face the (3) Duke Blue Devil. The action will continue on Sat. Feb. 5 at 12 PM EST as John Galloway’s Jacksonville Dolphins, from Duval County, will head up to Homewood to face (19) Johns Hopkins Bluejays. On the women’s side, a top 25 match-up is in store on Feb. 13 at 6 PM EST as (23) Michigan Wolverines take a quick trip to South Bend to take on (5) Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
With all this hype for a normal season, there are few names and headlines to watch this season.
Can Virginia (MLAX) and Boston College (WLAX) come up on top again?
With the return of Charlotte North for a graduate year and Virginia looking stacked as ever, both programs have high expectations and a huge target on their backs. Virginia could be the first to three-peat since Princeton in 1996-98. The Cavaliers have many returning starters, while adding on Griffin Schultz, the number one rated overall freshman. As for Boston College, they have a tough first test as (4) Northwestern Wildcats come into town looking to be back on top.
Charlotte North celebrating a goal. (Sports Illustrated)
2. The ACC: Who will come out on top?
The power is surging back to the ACC, as all teams rank in the preseason Top 20, with Virginia, Duke, Notre Dame, and North Carolina all in the Top 10. Syracuse is in Top 15 at #12, yet expectations are high with Gary Gait and Dave Pietramala at the helm. Every game should be a nail bitter with a lot of offensive explosions.
3. Will Chris Grey finally win the Tewaaraton?
For the past few years, North Carolina’s Chris Grey has always been the nod for the Tewaaraton, yet he has never come home with the hardware. Will 2022 be the year he wins? Expectations are high for him and the Tarheels, who are looking to capitalize after losing in the semi-finals on Memorial Day Weekend.
Chris Grey looks to the North Carolina bench after a great offensive set during 2021 national semifinals (North Carolina Men’s Lacrosse).
With a return to normalcy, lacrosse fans are rejoicing and drooling at the mouth for another exciting season. As always, early February could prove some upsets, and anyone can beat anyone on any given Saturday.