Photo by: Justin Tafoya
Rexrode Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Three Named All-Conference
May 01 | Men's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's lacrosse had three All-Conference players as the Big Ten announced its postseason awards on Tuesday. Michael Rexrode was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year. Rexrode and Jules Heningburg were named First Team All-Big Ten. Christian Mazzone was named Second Team All-Big Ten. Casey Rose was the team's Sportsmanship Honoree.
Rexrode was named First Team All-Big Ten for the second consecutive season. The senior garnered Defensive Player of the Year honors after starting all 14 games with 23 ground balls and nine caused turnovers. The Leesburg, Va. native was a Senior CLASS Award Finalist, member of the Tewaaraton Award Watch List, and 2nd round draft pick of the Florida Launch in the Major League Lacrosse Draft. A team captain, Rexrode anchored Rutgers' defense, which led the Big Ten with 6.4 caused turnovers per game this season.
"I am very excited for Michael as he has started every game during his four-year career and has always matched up against the opponent's best offensive player," head coach Brian Brecht said. "He has been an exceptional student ambassador and a true leader of our program throughout his four years here."
Heningburg led the Scarlet Knights, posting 36 goals and 33 assists for 69 points. The Maplewood, N.J. native led the Big Ten in assists and points, and was second in goals. For his career, he is second all-time at Rutgers in points (204), seventh on goals (116) and 10th in assists (88). The team captain was named all-conference for the second time in his career, also earning First Team All-Big Ten accolades as a sophomore in 2016. The senior attackman and First Round MLL Draft pick has recorded a point in 36 consecutive games and scored a goal in 17 consecutive contests, with 12 multi-goal games this season.
"I am extremely proud of Jules and the player he has become throughout his career," Brecht said. "He has gotten better each year and is having his best season during his senior year, both on the field and as a leader of our program."
Mazzone was a presence at all ends of the field for the Scarlet Knights. The senior midfielder set a career-high with 28 goals, nine assists and 37 points, while also adding 34 ground balls and causing eight turnovers. The Stony Brook, N.Y. native had 11 multi-goal games, scoring 12 goals in the five Big Ten games. He currently has the second-longest goal scoring streak for a midfielder in the nation, having scored in every game this season.
"I'm excited because of all the effort and hard work and passion that Christian plays with, that he was recognized as all-conference player," Brecht said. "A fierce competitor, he has been dedicated in not only developing his game, but helping our program develop throughout his career.
Rose had 20 goals and seven assists for a career-best 27 points. The redshirt junior midfielder from Salt Lake City Utah collected a career-high 16 ground balls.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics ) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RUAthletics ) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers field hockey, follow the program on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RutgersMLax), Twitter (@RUMLax) and Instagram (@RutgersMLax). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on both social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com. For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.
Rexrode was named First Team All-Big Ten for the second consecutive season. The senior garnered Defensive Player of the Year honors after starting all 14 games with 23 ground balls and nine caused turnovers. The Leesburg, Va. native was a Senior CLASS Award Finalist, member of the Tewaaraton Award Watch List, and 2nd round draft pick of the Florida Launch in the Major League Lacrosse Draft. A team captain, Rexrode anchored Rutgers' defense, which led the Big Ten with 6.4 caused turnovers per game this season.
"I am very excited for Michael as he has started every game during his four-year career and has always matched up against the opponent's best offensive player," head coach Brian Brecht said. "He has been an exceptional student ambassador and a true leader of our program throughout his four years here."
Heningburg led the Scarlet Knights, posting 36 goals and 33 assists for 69 points. The Maplewood, N.J. native led the Big Ten in assists and points, and was second in goals. For his career, he is second all-time at Rutgers in points (204), seventh on goals (116) and 10th in assists (88). The team captain was named all-conference for the second time in his career, also earning First Team All-Big Ten accolades as a sophomore in 2016. The senior attackman and First Round MLL Draft pick has recorded a point in 36 consecutive games and scored a goal in 17 consecutive contests, with 12 multi-goal games this season.
"I am extremely proud of Jules and the player he has become throughout his career," Brecht said. "He has gotten better each year and is having his best season during his senior year, both on the field and as a leader of our program."
Mazzone was a presence at all ends of the field for the Scarlet Knights. The senior midfielder set a career-high with 28 goals, nine assists and 37 points, while also adding 34 ground balls and causing eight turnovers. The Stony Brook, N.Y. native had 11 multi-goal games, scoring 12 goals in the five Big Ten games. He currently has the second-longest goal scoring streak for a midfielder in the nation, having scored in every game this season.
"I'm excited because of all the effort and hard work and passion that Christian plays with, that he was recognized as all-conference player," Brecht said. "A fierce competitor, he has been dedicated in not only developing his game, but helping our program develop throughout his career.
Rose had 20 goals and seven assists for a career-best 27 points. The redshirt junior midfielder from Salt Lake City Utah collected a career-high 16 ground balls.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics ) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RUAthletics ) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers field hockey, follow the program on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RutgersMLax), Twitter (@RUMLax) and Instagram (@RutgersMLax). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on both social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com. For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.
Players Mentioned
Attack
/ Men's Lacrosse
Midfield
/ Men's Lacrosse
Defense
/ Men's Lacrosse
Midfield
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