Pietramala defends Stanwick after return from injury

The Johns Hopkins men’s lacrosse team welcomed back Shack Stanwick after a one-game absence because of an unspecified injury for Saturday’s game against archrival Maryland, and the senior attackman made his presence known early with an assist and a goal that gave his team a 2-1 lead in the first quarter.

Although the No. 7 Blue Jays would eventually fall, 8-7, to the No. 3 Terps in triple-overtime at Homewood Field, Stanwick’s return was praised by coach Dave Pietramala, who also took a moment to chastise some unnamed critics.

“He was cleared, and we had to decide if it was in the best interest of our athlete to put him out on the field,” Pietramala said after the game. “I thought he showed a lot of courage and a lot of guts to walk out onto that field and play today. Quite frankly, I’m tired of hearing how soft Shack Stanwick is. There’s a few people out there that don’t take the pounding that he takes and take the injuries that he has right now. To step out on that field against that defense and play, I’m really proud of him.”

Big Ten tournament matchups set

After Saturday’s two Big Ten men’s lacrosse games, the men’s and women’s conference tournaments are set. Michigan will host the tournaments Thursday through Sunday at its new U-M Lacrosse Stadium. Here’s the schedule: MEN

No. 4 seed Rutgers vs. No. 1 seed Maryland, Thursday, 5 p.m., Big Ten Network

No. 2 seed Johns Hopkins vs. No. 3 seed Ohio State, Thursday, 7:30 p.m., BTN

Tournament final, Saturday, 7 p.m., BTN WOMEN

No. 4 seed Johns Hopkins vs. No. 1 seed Maryland, Friday, 5 p.m., BTN

No. 2 seed Northwestern vs. No. 3 seed Penn State, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Tournament final, Sunday, noon, BTN