Three from Men's Lacrosse Named All-Conference
May 02 | Men's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Three players from Rutgers men's lacrosse were named All-Conference, the Big Ten announced Tuesday. Junior defenseman Michael Rexrode was named First Team All-Big Ten, while junior goalkeeper Max Edelmann and freshman attackman Kieran Mullins were both named Second Team All-Big Ten. Additionally, senior Connor Murphy was named a Big Ten Sportsmanship Honoree.
"It is very exciting for these student athletes individually and for us as a program to receive these postseason honors," head coach Brian Brecht said. "I am sure I speak for all of them regarding the great team atmosphere and camaraderie that we have in our locker room, which has allowed them to excel on the field this year individually."
Rexrode was the Scarlet Knights' top defenseman this season, recording 28 ground balls and a career-high 23 caused turnovers in 14 games. A two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and Midseason First Team All-American by Inside Lacrosse, Rexrode paced the conference in caused turnovers. The Leesburg, Va., native has started all 40 games he's played in his career 'On the Banks', he has 86 ground balls and 45 caused turnovers.
"Our defense has been very mature and balanced all year long from the close defense to the rope unit and in the goal," Brecht explained. "Michael Rexrode has been our leader and top cover guy for the past three years and I'm very excited to see him be recognized for this award. He has been one of our top student-athletes on the field and in the classroom throughout his career here at Rutgers."
Edelmann excelled between the pipes this season for the Scarlet Knights. In 14 starts, he backstopped the team to a 10-4 record, making 143 saves for a .532 save percentage. In 848 minutes played, the Middletown, Md., native notched an 8.91 goals-against average that was second in the Big Ten. He also collected 23 ground balls and caused six turnovers.
"Max Edelmann has been extremely cool and calm for us as the backbone of our defense," Brecht said. "His poise and presence between the pipes has allowed our defense to be very confident in front of him. He has also been a catalyst of our offense with his ability to make big stops, then outlet the ball, and start the transition game for us."
Mullins had a breakthrough freshman campaign, highlighted by an eight-goal, nine-point performance at Michigan that earned him National Player of the Week honors. He also capped a hat trick in the regular season finale versus No. 3 Ohio State by scoring the game-winning goal in overtime to lift Rutgers to its highest ranked victory since 2003. Mullins totaled 35 goals and 16 assists for 51 points, leading the team in goals and points. The Islip, N.Y., native had nine multi-goal games on the year, posting 12 goals and 16 points in Big Ten play. Mullins was third among all NCAA freshmen in goals on the season.
"Kieran Mullins has had a great start to his career here 'On the Banks'", Brecht said. "Playing in the Big Ten Conference is a challenge every day and to see him perform as a freshman at such a high level is exciting. He is very mature, focused and an extremely hard worker, which has certainly helped him greatly to excel on the field the way he has in his first year."
Senior attackman Connor Murphy was named the team's Sportsmanship Honoree. The Clifton, Va., native set career-highs with 26 goals, 14 assists and 40 points on the season. Murphy led the team in conference-only games with 13 goals and 18 points. In Big Ten play, Murphy was third in the league in goals and fourth in points.
"Connor has had a great senior year for us," Brecht said. "He has been a great teammate, student, and has excelled when we needed him to this year in Big Ten play as the third leading goal-scorer in the conference. I'm very excited for him to finish his career the way he has as this award is certainly well deserved."
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