BOSTON – Merrimack secured the first win of the 2024 #AEMLAX season, while NJIT came through with a hard-fought victory over St. John’s and Vermont fell to #9 Syracuse on Saturday afternoon.
The Warriors opened their season with a 14-10 victory over Bucknell, going on a 7-0 run between the second and third quarters to grab an 11-4 lead. Jack Rooney paced the offense with six assists, four ground ball and two caused turnovers. NJIT trailed St. John’s 5-1 in the first, but responded with seven consecutive goals to pull in front 8-5 and hold on for the two-goal win. Liam Brown was impressive in net with 20 saves. UVM dropped its opener on the road to #12 Syracuse 20-7.
Six teams are in action this Saturday, including the season-opening contests for UMass Lowell, Bryant and Binghamton. NJIT, Vermont and Merrimack are also in action, with the Highlanders and Warriors both at home.
The preseason poll was announced on January 16.
Fans will once again be able to watch the majority of the #AEMLAX this season. Select games will air on The AE on ESPN while others will air on AmericaEast.TV. Those games will be available on computers, OTT devices and the brand new America East app, which is available on all IOS and Android devices and can be found by searching ‘America East Conference’ in app stores.
Follow the @AmericaEast on X to stay up-to-date on America East women's lacrosse news all season long and use #AEWLAX to join the conversation.
#AEMLAX Weekly Award Winners – Feb. 5
Offensive Player of the Week
Arthur Miller, NJIT – Sr., Attack, Nanoose Bay, British Columbia
- Recorded a career-high five goals in a 10-8 victory over St. John’s
- Scored on five of his seven shots and added five ground balls to lead NJIT to its first-ever win over a Big East opponent.
- This is Miller’s first career #AEWLAX Offensive Player of the Week honor.
Defensive Player of the Week
Liam Brown, NJIT – Gr., Goalkeeper, Cedar Grove, N.J.
- Stopped 20 shots to post a .714 save percentage in a 10-8 win over St. John’s
- Added two ground balls and one caused turnover in the victory.
- This is Liam Brown’s first career #AEWLAX Defensive Player of the Week
Rookie of the Week
Mason Bardwell, Vermont – Fr., Defense, Carmel, Ind.
- Recorded three ground balls while making the start on defense against #12 Syracuse.
- This is Bardwell’s first career #AEWLAX Rookie of the Week honor.
2024 #AEMLAX Weekly Award Winners
Feb. 5 – Offensive Player of the Week: Arthur Miller, NJIT; Defensive Player of the Week: Liam Brown, NJIT; Rookie of the Week: Mason Bardwell, Vermont
About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student-athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field.
– Building the Complete Student-Athlete –