On Jan. 11, the Hopkins men’s lacrosse team was ranked fifth across the nation by the USILA/Nike Preseason Coaches Pole.
The only teams to top the Blue Jays were defending national champions Denver, Notre Dame, Duke and close Conference rival Maryland.
The Jays had just started official practices as the polling came out, only further fueling the fire that has been driving the Jays since losing out early in the national playoffs last season.
A mere 11 days after the Jays were ranked fifth nationally, they suffered a major loss as senior midfielder Connor Reed went down in practice and was slow to rise.
During a non-contact drill, Reed suffered an injury, successfully taking him out of the 2016 lacrosse season.
Reed started all 18 games last season with the Jays and showed as an influential midfielder totaling 10 goals and 16 assists. With Reed on the field, the Blue Jays held a 11-7 record, won the inaugural Big Ten Men’s Lacrosse Tournament and advanced to the national semifinals.
Reed is diligently working in physical therapy to be ready for the 2017 season, where he is planning to return for.
So what does this mean for the rest of the squad? Well it definitely isn’t great, however, it isn’t the end of their season either.
The Blue Jays have their first scrimmage of the season on Jan. 30, as they take on the defending champs at their place in Denver. This game will prove to the rest of the team how well they can survive without Reed, but especially against the projected best in the country.
The Jays are going to need some midfielders to step up, especially since freshman stand out, Joel Tinney, won’t be eligible to fill the midfielder position in his sophomore season.
After their scrimmage against the University of Denver Pioneers, the Jays will face No. 13 Georgetown University on Feb. 5. These two scrimmages are crucial for Coach Dave Pietramala to solidify the team chemistry on the field.
Losing two players that received quality minutes is never easy on a team. However, it is very possible for the team to adapt and grow even stronger through this adversity.
With only a few weeks left until their season opener against the Naval Academy Midshipmen, the Blue Jays have a lot they need to accomplish; however, they appear to be getting it done as they hit Homewood field twice a day with practices.
The Jays have an uphill battle but they appear to be up to the task. The Jays’ hard work will be tested in the upcoming weeks as they are set for two scrimmages before opening day. Coach Pietramala has a plan and we will see if it will work.
