Teams: Men's Lacrosse: Press Releases

Matt Harrigan was at his best in goal for the Jumbos last week during comeback wins at Roanoke and Wesleyan

MEDFORD -- The Tufts University men's lacrosse team posted come-from-behind victories against two nationally ranked teams last week, and sophomore Matt Harrigan (Darnestown, MD/Landon) provided the clutch goaltending that helped make it possible. With that performance, Harrigan was named Co-Player of the Week in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).

During Tufts' 13-12 victory at #18 Roanoke on Tuesday, and in a 9-6 conference victory against #3 Wesleyan on Saturday, Harrigan made a combined 26 saves and recorded a .591 save percentage. He had 14 saves at Roanoke, followed by 12 saves while allowing only six goals at Wesleyan.

The Jumbos were down in the second half of both games. They trailed 9-5 early in the third quarter at Roanoke and were behind 4-2 to Wesleyan at halftime. With the offense doing its part, Harrigan was at his best at the other end. He made eight of his 14 saves at Roanoke in the second half. At Wesleyan, he had five stops in the third quarter as part of a 35:55 streak during which Tufts held the Cardinals scoreless.

For the season, Harrigan is ranked third in the league with 12.25 saves per game, sixth with an 8.00 goals against average and seventh with a .605 save percentage. Head coach Mike Daly's Jumbos are 4-0, one of three undefeated teams in NESCAC, and are ranked ninth in today's United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division III poll.

Harrigan shares this week's NESCAC award with Trinity College face-off specialist Connor Wells. Harrigan was recognized for his outstanding play early in his freshman season, as well. When he back-stopped the Jumbos to two victories with stellar play in the first week of the 2006 season, he was selected as Inside Lacrosse's NCAA Division III Men's Player of the Week. He finished the year with a 7.83 goals against average and .595 save percentage.

The Jumbos travel to New London, Connecticut on Wednesday for a conference game at Connecticut College. The Camels are winless (0-4 overall, 0-3 NESCA), but have a tight 10-9 loss to #4 in the nation Middlebury College.

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