NAC announces return to play this Spring for Men's Lacrosse and Mixed Tennis
Waterville, Maine – The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Presidents' Council today announced plans to return to conference competition this spring. In regard to MCLA, the statement confirms that the Trailblazers will compete in both Men's Lacrosse and Mixed Tennis.
Previously planned spring sport conference schedules were replaced by updated models designed to minimize risk of exposure to COVID-19 while maximizing the experience for student athletes. Members will follow NCAA guidelines for the safe return to collegiate athletics, as well as directives from all federal, state, and local health authorities. Each campus will also determine specific protocols unique to their campus based on local circumstances, including whether fans will be permitted.
Administrators continue to keep a close eye on the pandemic and reserve the right to expand or retract schedules if appropriate. Individual member schools or teams may opt-out of competing at any time.
"Though we remain cautious, we are thrilled to move forward with plans to return to competitive sports," remarked Ray Rice, president at UMaine-Presque Isle and the chair of the NAC Presidents' Council. "It has been a long year and student athletes have missed so much already, but we have smart plans and backup plans in place. Administrators across the conference are committed to providing a meaningful experience this spring if at all possible."
Men's Lacrosse:
The Trailblazer Men's Lacrosse program will compete in NAC divisional play and currently has a six game schedule, all conference opponents, ready to go. MCLA will be in divisional play alongside NYU-Lyndon, Thomas (ME), and Husson. Head Coach Kevin Pezanowski's team will challenge each team twice throughout the regular season. The top two teams in each division will advance into the NAC playoffs scheduled for the first weekend in May.
The semifinal round will pit the top-two teams per division against one another, followed by the East and West champions playing for the conference title and automatic qualifier bid (AQ) to respective NCAA championship tournaments.
2021 MCLA Men's Lacrosse Schedule
Mixed Tennis
While the NAC is sponsoring a women's tennis championship this Spring, MCLA will be offering a mixed tennis program that will compete in a similar schedule. The Mixed Tennis team will incorporate players from both the men's and women's programs and offer divisional play. The Trailblazers will play a three game regular season against divisional foes SUNY-Delhi, Thomas (ME), and NVU-Lyndon.
The top-two teams from each division will compete for conference titles at Apex Racket Club in Portland, Maine on Sunday, May 2, 2021. Crossover matches with partner conference NEAC to determine which teams advance to NCAA tournaments are still in planning stages.
2021 MCLA Mixed Tennis Schedule
Athletic administrators will reassess plans two weeks prior to the start of seasons or events to determine if adjustments are needed. All plans remain contingent on federal, state, and local health guidance, as well as state college system and institutional realities. The health, safety, and welfare of student athletes, coaches, and entire college communities remain a priority as the NAC returns to competitive sports.
"I want to thank the athletics administrators, vice presidents and presidents for their thoughtful approach to finding a good balance between legitimate conference competition and health and safety," said Commissioner Marcella Zalot. "We are still in a global pandemic but we have learned a lot along the way. We stand ready to adjust as needed but remain hopeful the perseverance and resiliency of all, especially our student athletes, are rewarded and we are able to end the academic year on a strong and positive note with NAC competition.