A Comparison of External Loads in Division III Men's Lacrosse Between High Competition Matches and Low Competition Matches

Lacrosse is an open-field, invasion sport with limited knowledge of the physiological demands of gameplay at the Division III level. This study aimed to investigate the external loads of Division III men's lacrosse players during NCAA season games. Comparisons were made between the external loads placed on the athletes in high competition versus those placed on the athletes in low competition matches. High competition matches were defined as matches against teams that qualified for the NCAA tournament whereas low competition matches included teams that did not meet high competition requirements. The dependent variables measured included total distance, work rate, intensity, 2D load, and 3D load. Defensive players were found to have significantly higher external load values for total distance (m; <i>p</i>=0.003, <i>d=</i>1.43), work rate (m/min; <i>p</i>=0.006, <i>d</i>=1.34), 2D load (AU; <i>p</i>=0.039, <i>d</i>=1.03), and 3D load (AU; <i>p</i>=0.022, <i>d</i>=1.15), while there were no significant differences (p>0.05) for other positions between competition level. Competition level exerts a higher external load for defensive players, but not attack, midfield, or specialists (goalie, face-off). This may indicate the need for specialized conditioning or active load management to deal with potential fatigue based on position and playing time.