I believe that the final four within the PNCLL should be Oregon, OSU, Simon Fraser, Washington in that order. I believe that the Oregon Ducks will go undefeated in conference play. Having already knocked off SFU, they made it significantly easier on themselves to assure the #1 playoff spot. Oregon State has already beat Washington and SFU making them 5-0. Even if they lose to Oregon, and SFU wins out, they still win the tie break for the #2 spot. Although Washington is 0-3 in conference play, look for them to bounce back. They just got done playing the top of the conference and the rest of the conference games  shouldn't be as bad. Although, Boise State, Gonzaga, and Idaho still cannot be counted out. Each team has shown glimpses of a coherent squad. 

Word is MI will have a strong team again this year and with Issaquah thin on the ground who can step up to the MI challenge?  Garfield?

Portland LumberJax defenseman Brodie Merrill was named the February Rookie of the Month yesterday. The Orangeville, Ontario native helped the LumberJax to a 1-1 record during the month and was the Week Eight Offensive Player and Rookie of the Week for his performance in a 15-12 victory over Philadelphia. In two games last month, Merrill totaled 10 points on three goals and seven assists. The Georgetown University graduate also scored a power-play goal and collected 28 loose balls during February.  Merrill also kicked off the month of March well, scoring a goal and setting up another while picking up 17 loose balls in the game against Rochester last Saturday.  Note that local Phenom Chris Taylor is currently also at Georgetown!

 Welcome to the 2006 PNCLL Weekly Beat!

 by Jac Coyne, Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff

Nearly 7,000 people piled through the turnstiles. The marquee teams gave great performances. The high school and Intercollegiate Associates match-ups were enthralling. Everything the organizers of the inaugural First 4 lacrosse tournament were hoping for became a reality.