Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/3/20
From Press Releases
Loyola University Maryland’s Ryan McNulty (Bishop Shanahan) contributed on both ends of the field last week and was named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts as the Greyhounds won a pair of games.
McNulty put up big numbers during the wins over Towson University and Lafayette College as he had seven caused turnovers and 13 ground balls, in addition to two assists.
While he is a long-stick midfielder, McNulty had only two groundballs on faceoff wings and posted 11 of the pick-ups on the defensive end of the field. He was also huge as Loyola cleared the ball 38 times without a failed clear in the two games.
Wednesday night, he caused three Towson turnovers and had five ground balls while also coming up big on offense. In transition, he posted a pair of assists as Loyola scored 15 goals against the 2019 NCAA Tournament team. Saturday, he set a career-high with eight ground balls while causing four turnovers at Lafayette.
This season, McNulty has two goals and two assists through five games to go with 20 ground balls and nine caused turnovers.
Lehigh’s Spence (Springfield-Delco) wins Patriot League honor
For the first time this season and fifth time in his career, Lehigh men’s lacrosse goaltender James Spence (Springfield-Delco) has been named Patriot League Goalie of the Week, as announced on Monday. Spence was sensational in Saturday’s 14-6 win over Navy, stopping 12-of-18 shots sent his way, allowing just two even-strength goals all game.
Spence stopped 11 of the final 13 shots over the game’s final 52:10, including a number of spectacular saves. After giving up four early goals (three on the extra man), Spence and Lehigh’s defense held Navy scoreless for a stretch of 23:59 in the second half and to just one goal over the next 51:08. Navy was averaging 12.33 goals per game entering the day. Spence also added four groundballs. For the season, the junior owns a 9.04 goals against average and 54.6 save percentage.
Also recognized as honorable mention was senior faceoff specialist Conor Gaffney (Lenape), who won 11-of-14 faceoffs with nine groundballs. Gaffney won his final nine faceoffs of the game, and also broke the Patriot League record for career groundballs (currently 389).
Millersville’s Cobaugh (Pope John Paul II) is PSAC Player of the Week
After leading the Millersville women’s lacrosse team to its first victory of the season over the weekend, Grace Cobaugh was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Athlete of the Week.
Cobaugh contributed all over the field, totaling six goals, one assist, seven points, nine shots, four draw controls, two ground balls and caused one turnover in the Marauders’ 20-10 victory over Wilmington.
This marks the first time Cobaugh has earned the weekly honor. She previously captured PSAC Freshman of the Year for her standout performance last season.
