WASHINGTON – The Atlantic 10 Conference recognized Richmond senior Max Merklinger and Saint Joseph’s graduate student Richie LaCalandra shared the Under Armour Men’s Lacrosse Co-Offensive Players of the Week. Merklinger’s teammate freshman Ben Dutton received Rookie of the Week. St. Bonaventure freshman Ben Dutton was named Rookie of the Week. The awards were announced on Monday and are for games played March 3 to March 9.
Merklinger led the Spiders to two victories and set career-highs in both games. The Mendham, N.J. native recorded a career-best four points (three goals and one assist) against Mercyhurst. Merklinger followed that performance with another career-best six points (five goals and one assist) in Richmond’s win over UMBC. Over the two games, he amassed 10 points (eight goals and two assists) with two ground balls and one turnover.
LaCalandra, an attack, registered eight points in Saint Joseph’s victory over Drexel. The Port Jefferson Station, N.Y. native recorded five assists in the first two quarters. Those assists helped the Hawks close the half on a 7-2 run. He tallied two goals in the first half and added a third in the second half. It marked his second consecutive game with a hat-trick. LaCalandra finished with a season-high eight points.
Farmer was crucial in two victories for St. Bonaventure. He posted a 5.50 goals against average with a .656 save percentage in wins over Mercer and Cleveland State. He made 21 saves and allowed 11 goals in a 2-0 week. The Fort Myers, Fla. Native also recorded four ground balls.
Dutton, a Denver Colo. native, netted three goals and tallied an assist in a win over Drexel. His three goals marked the third hat trick of the season for Dutton. Dutton, an attack, also added a cause turnover and a ground ball in Saint Joseph’s win over Drexel.