PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's lacrosse long-stick midfielder Ryan Splaine was nationally recognized for his performance in the win over UMass as he was named to the USILA Team of the Week on Wednesday. The Rockville, Md. native had game-highs with six ground balls and two caused turnovers.

Splaine helped hold UMass to just a season-low nine goals on 39 shots. UMass had just one goal over the final 20 minutes and none in the final 12 minutes of the game to allow RU to turn a two-goal halftime deficit into a win, all while also facing three man-up opportunities in the second half. Splaine also scored a goal in transition, giving RU a 3-2 lead in the first quarter. Splaine tied his career-highs with the six ground balls and two caused turnovers.

Splaine becomes the second Scarlet Knight to be nationally recognized this week for their work defensively in the 10-9 win over the Gorillas. Goalkeeper Cardin Stoller was named the Division I Player of the Week by USA Lacrosse Magazine and was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week and Specialist of the Week.

This is Splaine's first career weekly recognition. He is the fourth Scarlet Knight this year to be placed on a USILA Team of the Week, joining Ross Scott, Tommy Mendyke and Cardin Stoller.

Splaine and the Scarlet Knights are back in action this Sunday in the Big Ten Conference opener. After recording a 6-2 record in the non-conference portion of the schedule, RU opens the league slate against Johns Hopkins. The first faceoff of that game will take place at 4:30 pm and will be nationally televised by Big Ten Network