After struggling to generate productivity from the midfield last year, head coach Lars Tiffany has wasted no time in adding two excellent midfielders to the squad early in the transfer window.
Charles Balsamo, a former Duke midfielder and the National Lacrosse Federation’s No. 7 overall recruit in the class of 2022, has reportedly switched to the Virginia Cavaliers, where he will reunite with old club colleague Joey Terenzi. Matt Chandik was the first to report the story.
Balsamo scored 31 points as a freshman from the first midfield, but his performance dropped after being moved to the second midfield last season, where he finished with 16 points. He had 10 turnovers in both years.
.@UVAMensLax has landed former Duke A/M Charles Balsamo.
‘Hoos add a talented and versatile lefty offensive weapon who could start at attack or midfield. 47 points in two years at Duke. pic.twitter.com/G3alE3zoXF
— Matt Chandik (@MChandik26) June 6, 2024
This commitment comes only one day after the Hoosiers signed fellow lefty and former Bryant midfielder Johnny Hackett, the 2023 America East Rookie of the Year. Similar to Hackett, the 5’8″ Balsamo has the ability to bump down to attack and frequently dodges under the cage while coming out of the box as a middie.
THE FRESHMAN CHARLES BALSAMO IN OVERTIME ‼️🙌 @DukeMLAX
(via ACCNX) pic.twitter.com/X2HXClp608
— TLN 🥍 (@LacrosseNetwork) March 5, 2023
Early in the transfer portal, Virginia already has a midfield that includes Hackett, Griffin Schutz, Ryan Colsey, Truitt Sunderland, Terenzi, and incoming No. 6 overall recruit (Prep Lacrosse) Hudson Hausmann – assuming Jack Boyden returns for another year and moves to attack. Sunderland had previously played offensive for Virginia and may be better suited for a transition.
Balsamo, like Hackett, has two years of eligibility remaining.
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