Status of Loyola's MacDonnell still uncertain
Cooper MacDonnell is extremely questionable for No. 10 Loyola’s home opener against No. 8 Duke at Ridley Athletic Complex on Saturday at 3 p.m.
The senior attackman, who has missed the Greyhounds’ past two games because of a right shoulder injury he suffered in an 11-5 win against Quinnipiac on Feb. 27, returned to practice for the first time on Friday – albeit on a limited basis, according to coach Charley Toomey.
"He was trying to catch and throw a little bit," Toomey said. "No contact. We’re going to make the decision tomorrow. I think he’s going to try and play, but we haven’t made a decision."
Without MacDonnell, who has recorded eight goals and one assist in two games, Loyola has leaned on senior attackman Collin Finnerty, who has scored eight goals in MacDonnel’s absence, and junior midfielder Eric Lusby, who has scored six goals over that same span.
If MacDonnell cannot play, freshman Patrick Fanshaw will make his third consecutive start. Fanshaw scored three goals in a 14-8 victory over Bellarmine, but was shut out in an 11-10 loss to No. 4 Notre Dame.
