Photo by: Tommy Gilligan
Men’s Lacrosse Earns Two Big Ten Players of the Week
Feb 25 | Men's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's lacrosse earned two Big Ten Player of the Week awards following a tightly contested one goal game at No. 11 Loyola. Defenseman Zach Masessa was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and goalkeeper Stephen Russo was named Co-Specialist of the Week.
Masessa led Rutgers on the day with three ground balls and two caused turnovers against No. 11 Loyola. Matched up against Kevin Lindley, a 2019 All-American who was third in the NCAA with 3.53 goals per game last season, he held him to one goal. The Montgomery, N.J. native is in his second season as a Scarlet Knights, moving to a starting role this season on defense after playing long-stick midfield last season. In 14 games in a Scarlet Knights uniform, the Finance major has collected 15 ground balls and six caused turnovers.
Russo made 16 saves against No. 11 Loyola, a season-high and one away from matching his career-high. The Livingston, N.J. native made 11 saves in the opening half to allow RU to stay in the game and make a comeback effort that led to a second-half lead. The Economics major was tied for the most saves of any Big Ten goalkeeper this week. In his first season at Rutgers, Russo earned the starting goalkeeper job upon arrival and has posted a 11.50 goals-against-average and .534 save percentage.
Rutgers has now earned three Big Ten awards this season, as Ethan Rall was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week following the season opener. This is the first career accolade for both Masessa and Russo.
The Scarlet Knights are back home this weekend following two games on the road. Rutgers will welcome in Stony Brook for a noon contest.
For specific updates regarding Rutgers men's lacrosse, follow the program and Coach Brecht on Twitter (@RUMLax and @RULaxCoach) and Facebook. Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com. For additional updates, please download the Scarlet Knights App via the app store or play store.
Masessa led Rutgers on the day with three ground balls and two caused turnovers against No. 11 Loyola. Matched up against Kevin Lindley, a 2019 All-American who was third in the NCAA with 3.53 goals per game last season, he held him to one goal. The Montgomery, N.J. native is in his second season as a Scarlet Knights, moving to a starting role this season on defense after playing long-stick midfield last season. In 14 games in a Scarlet Knights uniform, the Finance major has collected 15 ground balls and six caused turnovers.
Russo made 16 saves against No. 11 Loyola, a season-high and one away from matching his career-high. The Livingston, N.J. native made 11 saves in the opening half to allow RU to stay in the game and make a comeback effort that led to a second-half lead. The Economics major was tied for the most saves of any Big Ten goalkeeper this week. In his first season at Rutgers, Russo earned the starting goalkeeper job upon arrival and has posted a 11.50 goals-against-average and .534 save percentage.
Rutgers has now earned three Big Ten awards this season, as Ethan Rall was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week following the season opener. This is the first career accolade for both Masessa and Russo.
The Scarlet Knights are back home this weekend following two games on the road. Rutgers will welcome in Stony Brook for a noon contest.
For specific updates regarding Rutgers men's lacrosse, follow the program and Coach Brecht on Twitter (@RUMLax and @RULaxCoach) and Facebook. Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com. For additional updates, please download the Scarlet Knights App via the app store or play store.
Players Mentioned
Defense
/ Men's Lacrosse
Long-Stick Midfield
/ Men's Lacrosse
Goalkeeper
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