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Showing posts from March, 2025

Taking The Field With Stevie Mac - Episode 128 - The Highlights

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On the latest episode of Taking The Field With Stevie Mac , I spent a segment of the show talking about something I was asked during the Eastern Michigan vs Youngstown State lacrosse broadcast.  Eagles ESPN+ broadcaster Tom Helmer asked me for my thoughts on women's lacrosse players eventually wearing pads.  First, EMU head coach - and guest of the show - Maddie Dugan told Helmer before the game, "I hope it never comes to that." In short, I completely agree. As I stated in the episode, there is something beautiful about every form of lacrosse - whether it be the men's game, women's game, box, or sixes. I went on to say,  “This version of where we are at with the women’s game right now is probably the best version we’re ever going to get without taking it to an extreme…” Other Things You Might Have Missed I later talked about the Mid American Conference women's lacrosse. The MAC has largely been dominated by the likes of Central Michigan and Robert Morris. Howe...

Sam Handley the Missing Link to Unlocking Denver's Offense

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On episode 127 of Taking The Field With Stevie Mac , I was joined by Denver Outlaws beat writer Topher Adams. During segment one of the show we focused on the offense. I asked Adams specifically about midfielder Sam Handley who is entering his third season. "I think Handley - in a lot of ways - is the missing link for this offensive structure," Adams told me. "I think the talent is there. It's just a matter of will he ever put the pieces together at the PLL level?" Adams answered his own question by stating it's something the Outlaws are asking themselves of Handley heading into 2025.  Through two seasons in the PLL, Handley has played in 20 games, compiling 34 points (1.7 per game) on 21% shooting. In 2024, Handley had four games tallying three or more points - including a playoff game - but also had three games with zero points. Can the 2023 fourth overall pick take a step forward this season? Let me know in the comments and I will read them on the next ep...

Women's Lacrosse League Writer Caitlin McDonough

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On the latest episode of Taking The Field With Stevie Mac , I was joined by Women's Lacrosse League (WLL) writer Caitlin McDonough.  During the segment, McDonough gave her thoughts on what is next for the WLL after a successful first run during the Championship Series. "The time is now for lacrosse," McDonough said. "I can definitely see the WLL taking on a summer role." She mentioned the league - in small steps - expanding to more teams and moving out west where the league currently has the California Palms as the lone representation.  First things first would be to see a summer season. Once we see that - coupled with the success of the Championship Series - I think we could see a fifth team added for 2026. This would be similar to what the PLL did in year two, when they added the Waterdogs to their existing lineup of clubs. In this case, the team that finishes last in a WLL summer season in 2026 would miss out on the Championship Series in 2027.   For the full...

California Redwoods Beat Writer Phil Shore

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On the Latest episode of Taking The Field With Stevie Mac , I was joined by California Redwoods writer Phil Shore.  Last week was a tough one for Redwoods fans - as news came out that Offensive Coordinator John Grant Jr., Chris Gray, and Isaiah Davis-Allen would all be departing the team. There have also been reports that Rob Pannell is eyeing a departure in free agency. "I think that's one of the things that the fans have latched onto," stated Shore. "The changes have been big changes in a short amount of time." We also discussed the draft, where the Redwoods hold the No. 2 and No. 10 overall picks. Shore says he sees the Redwoods going offense with both picks as things currently stand. He believes Chris Kavanagh is the favorite for the No. 2 pick, but also points out players like Coulter Mackesy from Princeton and Andrew McAdorey from Duke. I'd imagine Mackesy and McAdorey would be in play for them with that second rounder. The Redwoods also have two picks...