Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/9/21 – From Press Release
Due to a positive COVID-19 test from the Tier 1 testing pool of Loyola University Maryland men’s lacrosse team, the Greyhounds will withdraw from the Patriot League Championship Game today out of an abundance of caution due to health and safety protocols.
After an 11-10 win over the U.S. Military Academy on Friday night, Loyola was scheduled to play Lehigh University in the Championship Game. at noon. By virtue of the no-contest, Lehigh will be the Patriot League’s automatic qualifier for the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship. The 16-team field will be announced tonight at 9
Loyola will evaluate its ability to be available for NCAA Championship competition.
Lehigh coach Kevin Cassese gave this statement:
“The last 24 hours have brought a wide range of emotions. First and foremost, I feel terribly for Charley Toomey, the Loyola staff and the Loyola players. The Hounds were playing at a high level coming into the Patriot League Championship and it would have been a fun and competitive game today. I feel particularly bad for the individual who tested positive. I hope that person realizes it could have happened to any of us, at any point.
“I also feel badly for our players and staff here at Lehigh. While we are grateful to be moving on to the NCAA Tournament, our primary mission as a lacrosse program is to win the Patriot League Tournament Championship. Hosting the 2021 Championship at Lehigh made it all the more special of an experience. To be stripped of that experience is gut-wrenching for all of us. I find solace in the fact that our players and staff did an amazing job this season, compiling an outstanding record in the games we were permitted to play. They also did an incredible job handling the many challenges associated with COVID-19.
“At the end of the day, I am proud of my guys. They are true warriors. They bring Passion, Selflessness, Discipline, and Toughness to everything they do… And, because of that, they have earned the Patriot League AQ and they have earned the opportunity to compete for a National Championship. We look forward to spending another week together and preparing for another game. We will appreciate every day and we will give it all we’ve got.”