FREELAND, Mich. – Sophomore goalkeeper Nick DiPaolo (Flemington, N.J. / Immaculate) has been named this week's Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Men's Lacrosse Defensive Athlete of the Week.
This is the first time in his career that DiPaolo has taken home weekly honors. It is the second time this season that a member of the team has earned MIAA Athlete of the Week honors.
DiPaolo earned the award after playing a crucial role in the team's lone contest of the week, a 10-6 victory over visiting Alma College in the team's MIAA opener.
DiPaolo played all but 17 seconds of the game in net and made 14 saves while allowing just four goals. He added a pair of groundballs and a caused turnover.
Aside from the staunch play in net, DiPaolo added an offensive highlight as well. With the team holding onto a slim 3-2 lead in the final minute of the first half, DiPaolo threw the ball the length of the field to a wide-open teammate who cashed in with one second remaining to extend the team's lead to 4-2. The assist is the first of his career.
The Thunder will look to build on their success tomorrow, Tuesday, April 12 when they faceoff with Calvin University in a 7 p.m. contest.