Connor Shellenberger Ignites Atlas Offense with Career Performance

Premier Lacrosse League Images

Coming off the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) All-Star break, Virginia alumni took center stage in Week 6, with Connor Shellenberger leading the charge in a dominant showing for the New York Atlas. Playing in Chicago, Illinois, Shellenberger delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high five goals and adding two assists in a 17–11 victory over the Boston Cannons. Shellenberger’s performance began with two goals and an assist during a 6–1 Atlas run in the first quarter. The first of his goals came off an assist from fellow Virginia alum Xander Dickson, who also had a strong outing with three goals and one assist. Shellenberger’s third goal of the day came against opposing attackman Marcus Holman, where a well-timed roll dodge created just enough space to score from close range. His second-half performance was equally impressive. Shellenberger buried his fourth goal on a signature jump shot and capped his scoring with a man-up goal assisted by Jeff Teat. He then returned the favor to Dickson late in the fourth quarter with a crisp feed to the crease for a quick-stick finish. With this effort, Shellenberger now ranks second in both goals and points across the league, solidifying his spot in the MVP conversation.

Virginia’s influence extended beyond the Atlas. On Friday night, Thomas McConvey and Ben Wayer sparked the Philadelphia Waterdogs to a 16–11 win over the Utah Archers. McConvey tallied a goal and an assist in the first quarter, while Wayer scored his first two-point goal of the season and added an assist. Wayer also contributed defensively with a caused turnover and two groundballs. Jared Conners also made an impact on Saturday, scoring a two-point goal to help the California Redwoods keep pace with the Carolina Chaos. Despite Conners' efforts, the Redwoods fell 12–10, extending their losing streak to four games. With the regular season heating up, the PLL continues next weekend in Fairfield, Connecticut, where teams will jockey for playoff position on July 18 and 19.