Nardella Named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week
Mar 05 | Men's Lacrosse
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 5, 2012) - Freshman midfielder Joseph Nardella (Cazenovia, N.Y.) has been named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week, it was announced by the conference office on Monday. The Scarlet Knight was pivotal in RU's 9-6 victory over Lafayette on March 3, helping control possession by winning 13-of-16 (.813) faceoff opportunities. Nardella also scooped five ground balls in the win.
First-year head coach Brian Brecht was complimentary of the freshman's play, noting the impact it has had in the entire team's efforts.
"Joe has done a great job helping us with both faceoff duties and as a short stick defensive midfielder," Brecht said. "He has really embraced this crucial role. He has given us a great effort to start the season, which has contributed to our overall team success. Each week we get better as a program, both individually with the effort Joe and his teammates give us and as a team with our overall play between the lines."
Nardella's personal-best in faceoff wins against the Leopards added to his outstanding start to the 2012 season. He has taken 38-of-57 faceoffs (.667) and controlled a team-leading 19 ground balls. His faceoff win percentage ranks fifth in the NCAA.
This is the first league honor of Nardella's career and the second for a Scarlet Knight this season.
Rutgers next hits the road to face Army in West Point, N.Y., on Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m.
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