The Women’s Lacrosse League Makes History with Its Headline Debut
New York Charging and Izzy Scane Set to Make Mark
The Women’s Lacrosse League is set to make its debut on Tuesday night, marking a historic moment for the sport. The league’s inaugural four teams will compete in the Maybelline WLL Championship Series alongside the Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series in Springfield, Virginia this week. One of those four teams is the New York Charging, led by star attackers Izzy Scane and Meaghan Tyrrell.
A New Era for Women’s Lacrosse
Scane, a two-time Tewaaraton Award winner at Northwestern University, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to play professional lacrosse. “Growing up playing the sport that we love and thinking it was going to end after college; for it to not, and to have such a cool experience like the WLL – they’ve done such an incredible job, and it’s been such an awesome couple of days just getting here and experiencing what it’s going to be like,” she said.
A Unique Format
The league is using an Olympic-style format called “Sixes” – six-on-six action with no shot backup, a 30-second shot clock, and quick restarts after goals that are initiated by the goalie. This format will provide a unique style of play, which will be a challenge for the players. “Looking at our roster, we’re very attack-heavy,” said Charging head coach Colleen Magarity. “So, I think [we’re] just building that mindset that we’re all defenders now.”
Adapting to the New Format
The Charging held their first practice Sunday, and some of the players are still adjusting to the new set of rules. However, Magarity is confident that this group is up to the challenge. “Every one of these girls have been leaders on their college team, or if they’re even still doing the U.S. stuff,” she said. “And it makes my job easier. I’m here just to manage them and put them in the right place.”
Planting a Seed for the Future
For Scane and Tyrrell, the mission goes beyond winning a championship. They’re looking to plant a seed in the next generation, showing that the dream of playing professional women’s lacrosse is alive and well with the WLL. “Younger kids that are coming here to watch, or they’re watching online, and being, like, “Oh, one day I wanna be Izzy Scane,” or “I wanna be better than Izzy Scane,”” said Tyrrell. “Something to give them to reach for…I think that’s so huge.”
The Future of Women’s Lacrosse
The Charging and Charm get underway at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. All of the Round Robin games this week can be streamed on ESPN+. The success of the WLL will set the stage for the future of women’s lacrosse, providing a platform for players to compete at the highest level and inspire the next generation.
Conclusion
The Women’s Lacrosse League is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport. With its unique format and talented players, the league is sure to provide an exciting and competitive product. As Scane and Tyrrell take the field, they’ll be doing more than just competing for a championship – they’ll be planting a seed for the future of women’s lacrosse.
FAQs
Q: What is the Women’s Lacrosse League?
A: The Women’s Lacrosse League is a professional lacrosse league that will compete alongside the Premier Lacrosse League Championship Series in Springfield, Virginia this week.
Q: Who are the inaugural four teams?
A: The inaugural four teams are the New York Charging, Maryland Charm, Boston Guard, and California Palms.
Q: What is the format for the games?
A: The league is using an Olympic-style format called “Sixes” – six-on-six action with no shot backup, a 30-second shot clock, and quick restarts after goals that are initiated by the goalie.
Q: Where can I watch the games?
A: All of the Round Robin games this week can be streamed on ESPN+.
