What was Liam Entenmann’s key to being a stronger goalie in the 2025 Lexus Championship Series? Not seeing shots. 

For 10 straight months, from his senior season at Notre Dame to his rookie year in the PLL with the New York Atlas, Entenmann had his helmet and gloves on almost every day, facing shots from both his teammates and other opponents. 

“I was very intentional on not seeing shots and went out of my way to not see shots for a while because it definitely took a toll on the lower body, the hips and the lower back, and I wanted to preserve that going into the Championship Series,” Entenmann said.

Instead of hopping in the net, Entenmann took the time to focus on his physical shape, maintaining a regime aimed at keeping his body mobile and stronger. 

“It’s not like I’ve just been bumming around,” he said. “I’ve been in the weight room putting on size, putting on strength and working on my mobility.” 

Despite being a first-round pick in the 2024 College Draft, the four-time All-American goalkeeper had to wait his turn to get the starting nod in the pros. Entenmann sat behind veteran Tim Troutner for the first four weeks until he was named starter following New York’s first loss of the season against the Maryland Whipsnakes. 

Once Entenmann got his starting opportunity during Boston Weekend, he never looked back. The rookie finished second in the league in save percentage, compiling 71 saves over six games played. 

While it may be his first Championship Series, this is not Entenmann’s first go-around when it comes to Sixes lacrosse. In October, Entenmann was selected to play in the USA Lacrosse Experience. 

“It was really good to get an idea to get a look at the types of shots I’ll be seeing, the speed of the shots,” Entenmann said. “Obviously the guys I’ll be playing against in the PLL (Championship Series) are very skilled, so kind of getting a glimpse of how guys play was very beneficial for me.”

With the Sixes format not being too forgiving for goaltenders, Entenmann is eager to find success while knowing his stats won’t be as notable as they are in traditional field lacrosse.

“Just accepting the fact that the numbers I'll be putting up are not the same as what I may be putting up in a field game,” Entenmann said. “In this format, you have to have that next-shot mentality whether it's a save or a goal.”

With the Championship Series set to begin Tuesday, Feb. 11 at The St. James in Springfield, Va., Entenmann has slowly started to return to the cage to face shooters. Currently coaching at a high school in Texas, Entenmann asks his players post-practice to take shots on him from close up to mimic the type of shots he will see. 

Entenmann has his players line up from just five yards away to recreate the reaction speed needed to save shots in Sixes lacrosse. While the shots may not be powerful, Entenmann still needs his reflexes to be razor sharp in order to stop a shot from such a close range. 

Entenmann will face the Whipsnakes next Tuesday in his Lexus Championship Series debut. Late-season Whips pickup Ryan Conrad scored 24 points in the 2024 Championship Series, and veteran Brad Smith, who missed the 2024 regular season with an injury, scored 21 points in the 2023 Champ Series while shooting 38% from the field. 

The Atlas will see talented scorers in their other two pool-play games, as well, facing Grant Ament, Mac O’Keefe and the Utah Archers next Friday and Marcus Holman, Asher Nolting and the Boston Cannons next Saturday.