Spartans Claim Back-To-Back Player of the Week Awards

Melbourne, Fla.- The Sunshine State Conference announced its men's lacrosse player of the week winners, tabbing University of Tampa faceoff specialist Sam Watts as its Specialist of the Week and Conor Whipple as Offensive Player of the Week, for the fourth time and second time this season, respectively.

Watts was selected as the Men's Lacrosse Specialist Player of the Week after he won 14-of-24 faceoffs against SSC opponent Lynn University. The Buffalo, New York native also registered five ground balls in the victory. The junior is currently ranked No.14 in the NCAA for face-off win percentage with .667%

Whipple was selected as the Men's Lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week after totaling 11 points this week. The Senior tallied four goals and seven assists with one ground ball. The Tampa, Fla. naitive currently leads the team in assists with 31 thus far.

Sunshine State Conference Athletes of the Week are chosen from a pool of nominees for their performances during the week of March 27 – April 2, 2017. Athletes are nominated by Sports Information Directors of member institutions.

2017 SSC Men's Lacrosse Award Winners (Offensive, Defensive, Specialist)
Feb. 6: Kyle Pauwels, Saint Leo; Thomas Tatarian, Saint Leo; Sam Watts, Tampa

Feb. 13: Conor Whipple, Tampa; Matt Lalli, Florida Southern; Mitch Wilson, Saint Leo

Feb. 20: Andrew Kew, Tampa; Shaun McDonald, Lynn; Dryden Brous, Lynn

Feb. 27: Justin Diamond, Rollins; Jake Hogan, Rollins; Sam Watts, Tampa 

Mar. 5: Kyle Pauwels, Saint Leo; Matt Lalli, Florida Southern; Travis Quillin, Lynn

Mar. 12: Nick Wynne, Florida Tech; Daniel Flock, Florida Tech; Mitch Wilson, Saint Leo

Mar. 19: Jake Gilmour, Saint Leo; Thomas Tatarian, Saint Leo; Lance Pavlina, Florida Tech