Lehigh University Athletics
Gaffney and Spence garner Patriot League weekly awards
3/4/2019 1:49:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Following their strong performances in Lehigh's big 10-8 win at No. 16/19 Colgate Saturday, Lehigh men's lacrosse junior Conor Gaffney and sophomore James Spence have garnered Patriot League weekly awards, as announced on Monday. Gaffney was named the league's Faceoff Specialist of the Week for the first time this season and eighth time in his career. It marks his 12th career weekly award, including four Rookie of the Week honors as a freshman. Meanwhile, Spence was named Goalkeeper of the Week for the second time this season (third-career weekly award overall).
Facing a team that had won nearly 50 percent of its draws through three games, Gaffney absolutely dominated, winning 17-of-20 faceoffs with 14 groundballs. The effort proved critical in the Mountain Hawks' big 10-8 win against the Raiders. Gaffney finished 8-of-10 in the first half and 9-of-10 in the second. For the season, he stands fifth nationally in faceoff percentage (68.8) to go with 41 groundballs.
Spence was strong in making 11 saves, allowing just eight goals against the Raiders. He stopped 4-of-5 in the first quarter and 6-of-8 in the first half to help the Mountain Hawks open a 6-2 halftime advantage. Spence went on to stop 4-of-6 in the fourth quarter to help Lehigh wrap up its ninth season-opening victory in the last 10 years. For the season, Spence owns an 8.71 goals against average and 0.521 save percentage.
Sophomore Teddy Leggett was also recognized among the honorable mentions following five groundballs Saturday while holding Colgate's top midfielder Griffin Brown without a point.
The Mountain Hawks return home for the first time in a month when they host No. 16/17 Army West Point this Saturday, Mar. 9 at 1 p.m.
Like Lehigh men's lacrosse on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
⬇️⬇️⬇️Some highlights from our two Patriot League weekly award winners, Conor Gaffney (17-of-20 faceoffs, 14 groundballs) and James Spence (11 saves) ⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9IxWdIYvht
— Lehigh Lacrosse (@LehighLacrosse) March 5, 2019
Facing a team that had won nearly 50 percent of its draws through three games, Gaffney absolutely dominated, winning 17-of-20 faceoffs with 14 groundballs. The effort proved critical in the Mountain Hawks' big 10-8 win against the Raiders. Gaffney finished 8-of-10 in the first half and 9-of-10 in the second. For the season, he stands fifth nationally in faceoff percentage (68.8) to go with 41 groundballs.
Spence was strong in making 11 saves, allowing just eight goals against the Raiders. He stopped 4-of-5 in the first quarter and 6-of-8 in the first half to help the Mountain Hawks open a 6-2 halftime advantage. Spence went on to stop 4-of-6 in the fourth quarter to help Lehigh wrap up its ninth season-opening victory in the last 10 years. For the season, Spence owns an 8.71 goals against average and 0.521 save percentage.
Sophomore Teddy Leggett was also recognized among the honorable mentions following five groundballs Saturday while holding Colgate's top midfielder Griffin Brown without a point.
The Mountain Hawks return home for the first time in a month when they host No. 16/17 Army West Point this Saturday, Mar. 9 at 1 p.m.
Like Lehigh men's lacrosse on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
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