Tuesday

Tuesday, May 4, 2004

GRIFFIN EARNS NESCAC LACROSSE PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARD

MEDFORD – The Tufts University Men's Lacrosse team finished its regular-season and opened the post-season with a head of steam last week, led by junior All-American Bryan Griffin (West Islip, NY/West Islip). For his role in wins over Wesleyan and Connecticut College to finish the regular-season, and then a victory in the first round of the NESCAC Tournament against Connecticut College again, Griffin was named the conference's Player of the Week for the second time this season. He was previously recognized on March 15 in the first week of the season.

The league's leading scorer had eight goals and eight assists for 16 points in three games last week (5.3 points per game). In the process, Griffin set a Tufts single-season record with 74 points and counting (40 goals, 34 assists). He surpassed the mark of 64 points that Dan German set in 1977 and Griffin tied last year.

Griffin figured in seven of his team's goals (4 goals, 3 assists) in a 9-7 victory over Connecticut College in the first round of the NESCAC Tournament on Sunday. He also had three goals and three assists in a key regular-season win at Wesleyan on Wednesday. He broke the single-season scoring record with a second-quarter assist during the Jumbos' 13-9 victory over the Camels in the regular-season finale on Saturday.

The NESCAC's leading scorer by 19 points entering the week, Griffin is closing in on the team's all-time scoring mark of 191 points set by current assistant coach Dan Kollar from 1998-2001. Griffin is currently third on the list with 111 goals and 71 assists for 182 points.

"He's the hardest working player we have," said Head Coach Mike Daly.

Tufts will play Wesleyan University in the semi-finals of the conference tournament at Middlebury on Saturday (May 8). The Jumbos, won their record 13^th game in the first round against Connecticut College, are ranked 10^th nationally and second in New England.

Griffin was the NESCAC and New England Player of the Year as a sophomore in 2003, along with earning the university's Clarence "Pop" Houston Award as best male athlete. He was also chosen as a STX/USILA honorable mention All-American.