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

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. However, Eastern Michigan - in just its second ever season - made the four team conference tournament a year ago. Additionally, the tournament's four seed Detroit Mercy made the championship game after knocking off No. 1 (and host) CMU. In 2025, the Akron Zips have jumped out to a 2-0 mark in conference following a win over CMU. 

In my preseason interview with coach Dugan, she stated that the MAC is as wide open as it's ever been - and she's turning out to be right so far. There are some potentially big match-ups to watch for over the next few weeks; Akron at Detroit Mercy on March 30, Central Michigan at Robert Morris on April 5, and Detroit Mercy at Eastern Michigan on April 6. I am fortunate enough to be on the call for two of those match-ups on ESPN+. 

As I concluded in the episode, the Midwest - and a league like the MAC - having strong lacrosse is a great thing for the sport. If the MAC can create some parody where it's not just CMU and Robert Morris written in at the top in permanent marker every year, the MAC could be a fun watch in the next few years.


Taking The Field With Stevie Mac: Join Steven MacDonald and guests as they talk about the Premier Lacrosse League, Women's Lacrosse League, and college lacrosse. Fantasy lacrosse, lacrosse betting, and all the latest news in one place! Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, IHeart Radio, TuneIn, Audacy, and others!

Location: Detroit, MI, USA

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