NEC Player of the Week: Luke Rusterucci, VMI
NEC Defensive Player of the Week: Damian Levin, VMI
NEC Rookie of the Week: Brayden Wilcken, LIU
Previous NEC Releases: February 10 |
Preseason Poll Release
NEC MEN’S LACROSSE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Luke Rusterucci, VMI
Sr., A, Peachtree City, GA/Starr's Mill
Rusterucci's hot streak continued as the senior's efforts led the Keydets to a 14-11 road win against Mercer. The Peachtree City, GA native found the back of the cage five times on eight shots during Friday's win. The two-time NEC Player of the Week now leads the NEC in both goal (11) and points (15). Rusterucci has now scored at least one goal in 36 consecutive games dating back to his freshman year, the seventh-longest streak in the country.
NEC MEN’S LACROSSE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Damian Levin, VMI
Sr., GK, Hauppauge, NY/Hauppauge
Levin was terrific between the pipes once again, finishing with a career-high 22 saves as the Keydets topped Mercer, 14-11, on Saturday. It marked his second consecutive 20+ save performance, and his 22 stops were the most by a Keydet goalie since 2017. Levin leads the nation with 55 saves and ranks second with 18.3 saves per game.
NEC MEN’S LACROSSE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Brayden Wilcken, LIU
R-Fr., GK, Mount Sinai, NY/Mount Sinai
In his first start of the season, Wilcken helped the Sharks to a 14-9 win over Iona. The freshman made 11 stops for a .550 save percentage. The Mount Sinai, NY native was a brick wall in the second half, shutting out the Gaels in the third quarter and allowing a lone goal in the fourth,
NEC PRIME PERFORMERS
Aiden Zuhoski, LIU (A, So.)
Zuhoski scored a season-high four goals on four shots in a 14-9 win against Iona on Saturday. The sophomore also scooped up one ground ball.
Mark Regan, LIU (M, R-Sr.)
Regan continued his scoring spree, hitting the net four times in the Sharks' home opener win over Iona.
Tyler Davide, LIU (D, Jr.)
The junior defender caused two turnovers and scooped up six ground balls. He added one goal to his name in the Sharks' win over Iona.
Ryan Mahoney, MU (M, Jr.)
Mahoney scored twice, caused three turnovers and picked up three ground ball in a strong all-around effort as the Lakers fell short at UMass Lowell.
Calum Brennan, RMU (A, Jr.)
Brennan's hat trick was a career-high for the junior, who also recorded four ground balls against High Point on Saturday.
Damian Levin, VMI (GK, Sr.)
NEC Men's Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week.
Luke Rusterucci, VMI (A, Sr.)
NEC Men's Lacrosse Player of the Week.
Simon Moore, VMI (M, Sr.)
The senior middie posted a career-high four points, picking up two goals and two assists in the Keydets win at Mercer.
Jake Mitchell, WC (A, Jr.)
In Wagner's lone game of the week at Mount St. Mary's, Mitchell tallied four points on two goals and two assists. In addition, the junior scooped up two ground balls and added his first two caused turnovers of the season.
2025 NEC MEN'S LACROSSE WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
NEC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Feb. 10: Luke Rusterucci, VMI
Feb. 17: Luke Rusterucci, VMI
NEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Feb. 10: Damian Levin, VMI
Feb. 17: Damian Levin, VMI
NEC ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Feb. 10: Joseph Weinburgh, VMI
Feb. 17: Brayden Wilcken, LIU