PLL Championship Showdown: Outlaws vs. Atlas
The 2025 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) championship features a highly anticipated matchup between the New York Atlas and the Denver Outlaws. These two powerhouses, boasting rosters filled with star players and seasoned coaches, are set to battle for the coveted title at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The game will be broadcast on ABC/ESPN at 12:30 p.m. ET.
A Regular Season Preview
Their regular-season encounter on August 2nd in Denver resulted in a thrilling 13-12 overtime victory for the Outlaws, suggesting another closely contested game is in store. Both teams finished the regular season with a 7-3 record, with the Atlas securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference and the Outlaws claiming the top spot in the West.
Kessenich's Keys to Victory
The Atlas, seeking their first PLL championship, rely heavily on the expertise of specialists like Trevor Baptiste (FOGO) and Liam Entenmann (goalie). Their attack, featuring Connor Shellenberger, Jeff Teat (the 2024 MVP), and Xander Dickson, showcases exceptional chemistry and skill. Teat and Shellenberger both surpassed 40 points during the regular season. The defense will depend on Gavin Adler, who previously held Pat Kavanagh scoreless in their August matchup, and Michael Rexrode, who will be tasked with marking Brennan O'Neill.
The Outlaws, led by an impressive offensive unit including Brennan O'Neill, Jared Bernhardt, Pat Kavanagh, and Logan Wisnauskas, play at a fast pace, leading the league in shot attempts per game at 45. Kavanagh, acquired in an offseason trade, leads the league in touches and shots. Goalie Logan McNaney, who played in four NCAA title games for Maryland, has been a key addition. Defensively, the Outlaws boast a veteran crew, including J.T. Giles-Harris, Jesse Bernhardt, and Mike Manley.
Player Matchups to Watch
A compelling storyline involves the friendship between Liam Entenmann (Atlas) and Pat Kavanagh (Outlaws), who have been teammates since youth hockey, through high school at Chaminade, and college at Notre Dame. They also won the Under-21 World Lacrosse Championship together. Entenmann and Kavanagh will face off in this championship game.
"He’s my best friend," - Entenmann on Kavanagh.
Connor Shellenberger of the Atlas was named both MVP and Attackman of the Year. Gavin Adler of the Atlas was named Defensive Player of the Year, while Logan McNaney of the Outlaws was Goalie of the Year. Tim Soudan of the Outlaws was named Coach of the Year.
Postseason Leaders
| Team | Leading Scorers | Faceoff | Goalie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlaws | 1. Brennan O'Neill | 6 P 2. Pat Kavanagh | 3 P 3. Jared Bernhardt, Dalton Young | 2 P |
Luke Wierman | 57.9% | Logan McNaney | 11 saves, 64.7 SV% |
| Atlas | 1. Connor Shellenberger | 5 P 2. Jeff Teat | 4 P 3. Xander Dickson, Matt Traynor | 4 P |
Trevor Baptiste | 60.0% | Liam Entenmann | 18 SV, 69.2 SV% |
