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Johns Hopkins releases 2011 lacrosse schedule

In this afternoon from Johns Hopkins, the Blue Jays' 2011 lacrosse schedule. Army's new to the schedule, while Hofstra is no longer on there.

Just think ... it's barely two months to lacrosse season.

Feb. 19: at Towson, Noon (ESPN3.com)
Feb. 22: at Delaware, 6
Feb. 26: Siena, 1 (ESPNU)

March 5: Princeton, 1 (ESPNU)
March 9: Manhattan, 7 (ESPNU)
March 12: vs. UMBC at M&T Bank Stadium, 4 (ESPN3.com)
March 19: at Syracuse, 6 (ESPNU)
March 26: Virginia, 2 (ESPNU)

April 3: vs. North Carolina in East Rutherford, N.J., 4 (ESPNU)
April 8: Albany, 7:30 (ESPNU)
April 16: at Maryland, 8 (ESPNU)
April 23: Navy, 8 (ESPNU)
April 30: Loyola, 2 (ESPNU)

May 6: at Army, 7

(EDIT: Albany game moved from April 9 to April 8; corrected to reflect new date and time).

Hopkins adds year to Pietramala's deal

A little bit of lacrosse housekeeping on a summer afternoon: Johns Hopkins extended Dave Pietramala's contract through 2016.

Considering he was extended a couple seasons through 2015 just a little less than 14 months ago, it's safe to presume this tacks on one year.

Since Hopkins is a private school, it's impossible to know the exact provisions in Pietramala's deal. But few coaches in the country should be as secure as Pietramala, who is 113-38 with two national titles and six final four appearances in 10 seasons. The titles were the first for the program since 1987.

The Blue Jays are coming off a 7-8 season, the first time since 1971 they produced a losing record. Hopkins won its final two regular-season games to become eligible for the NCAA tournament, then was hammered 18-5 in the first round by eventual national champ Duke.

So what does the extension say? It's a sign that despite some unrest from the extreme factions of the sport's most demanding fans, Hopkins knows it has a good thing with a meticulous, detail-oriented alum who understands the pressure-cooker of Homewood as well as anyone.

The Blue Jays might not be a national title contender in 2011, but it could be the building block to something bigger the next year. One thing is for sure: Pietramala will be part of it for some time to come.