St. Mary’s College Lacrosse Players Shine Bright in United East Awards
The St. Mary’s College of Maryland lacrosse teams made quite the splash in the United East Conference as senior defenseman Jeremy Heath, senior attacker Hailey Betch, and senior midfielder Colin Horton received accolades for their exceptional performances on the field.
Men’s Lacrosse: Heath Locks Down Defensive Player of the Week
Heath, a seasoned defenseman hailing from Chester, Maryland, clinched the title of United East Conference Defensive Player of the Week following a stellar showing in St. Mary’s nail-biting 11-10 victory over Randolph-Macon College on February 22.
During the game, Heath displayed his defensive prowess by snagging a season-best three ground balls and forcing two turnovers, playing a pivotal role in shutting down the Yellow Jackets’ offensive maneuvers. His final clutch ground ball recovery, secured with just six seconds left on the clock, not only sealed the win for the Seahawks but also put an end to a two-game losing streak against Randolph-Macon.
Currently, Heath finds himself tied for seventh place in the conference for caused turnovers, further solidifying his reputation as a defensive powerhouse. This marks his second United East weekly honor in his illustrious career.
The Seahawks, now boasting a 2-1 record, are set to return to action on Saturday, March 1, as they head to Virginia to clash against Hampden-Sydney College in a non-conference showdown at 12 p.m.
Women’s Lacrosse: Betch and Horton Dominate Weekly Awards
On the women’s front, senior captains Hailey Betch and Colin Horton of the St. Mary’s College lacrosse team scooped up both the United East Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors, showcasing their exceptional skills and leadership on the field.
Despite kicking off the season with two tough losses, the Seahawks have displayed tenacity and resilience, narrowly falling to Shenandoah University in overtime and putting up a fierce fight in the 11-9 bout against 15th-ranked Christopher Newport University.
Betch, a senior attacker representing Severna Park, Maryland, snagged the title of United East Offensive Player of the Week for her outstanding contributions to the team. Leading the charge with a combined six goals, two assists, and 11 draw controls across the first two games, Betch put on a show with four goals and an assist against Christopher Newport, along with six draw controls and a caused turnover. She currently stands strong in second place in the conference for draw controls, goals, and points.
Horton, a powerhouse senior midfielder from University Park, Maryland, earned the distinction of United East Defensive Player of the Week for her impressive performance on the field. Notching nine goals, two caused turnovers, six draw controls, and two ground balls in the opening two games, Horton showcased her versatility and skill. Tying her career high with six goals against Shenandoah and following up with three goals, two caused turnovers, and three draw controls against Christopher Newport, Horton leads the conference in goals and points while securing the third spot in caused turnovers.
As the Seahawks continue to seek their first win of the season, they are gearing up to face off against 12th-ranked Roanoke College on Saturday, March 1, at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium in a non-conference battle set for 12 p.m.
United East Lacrosse Weekly Standouts
The United East Conference has been abuzz with remarkable talent, with standout players from St. Mary’s College consistently making their mark. From Bret Hussey to Jeremy Heath in the men’s division, and Hailey Betch to Colin Horton in the women’s league, the Seahawks are proving to be a force to be reckoned with.
As the season progresses, the St. Mary’s College lacrosse teams are poised to build on their momentum, showcasing their skills and determination as they aim for success in the games ahead.
