In the spring of 1990, University of Connecticut and Northeastern University joined the league and at the USILA's request to avoid confusion with the NCAA's Patriot League, the league changed its name to the Pioneer Lacrosse League.
In the spring of 1990, University of Connecticut and Northeastern University joined a new lacrosse league at USILA's suggestion to prevent any confusion with the NCAA's Patriot League. The league then changed its name to the Pioneer Lacrosse League to clarify its identity.