BALTIMORE, Md. (AP) — Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh served as keynote speaker at Thursday’s banquet to kick off the NCAA men’s lacrosse championship weekend, and he immediately pointed out that one of the teams is not like the others.
Three of the semifinalists — Duke, Maryland and Virginia — are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Harbaugh then turned toward the players and coaches of the team that traveled the farthest to get to Baltimore.
“Denver, you don’t play in the ACC do you?” he joked. “I know what you’re saying: ‘That’s all right. Watch us win the ACC championship this weekend.'”
Duke, Maryland and Virginia represent the establishment of the sport, having combined to capture seven national titles. Denver is the newcomer to the party, a program that was elevated to varsity status in 1999 and is making just its first appearance in the semifinals, which are being held at M&T Bank Stadium.
The semifinals are Saturday, with Denver taking on Virginia and Maryland facing Duke for the third time this season.
