NEC Player of the Week: Cameron Connolly, LIU
NEC Defensive Player of the Week: Tyler Gresh, LIU
NEC Rookie of the Week: Tommy Thompson, UDM
Previous NEC Releases: Preseason Poll Release
NEC MEN’S LACROSSE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cameron Connolly, LIU
Sr., A, Seaford, NY/Seaford HS
Connolly started his senior campaign by playing a cruicial role in LIU's 14-12 win over Mount St. Mary's on Saturday. The Seaford, NY native registered four points from two goals and two assists, three of which came in the opening half and helped the Sharks take a 6-4 lead into the intermission. Connolly also picked up two ground balls in the victory and earned the first NEC Weekly Award of his career.
NEC MEN’S LACROSSE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tyler Gresh, LIU
R-So., G, Avon, CT/Avon HS
Gresh's 2026 season got off to a busy start in LIU's 14-12 victory over Mount St. Mary's. The redshirt sophomore made 16 saves in his first start of the season and finished with a save percentage of .571 on the day. Gresh was in mid-season form from the opening whistle, making 11 first half saves. His efforts were good enough to secure his second-ever NEC Defensive Player of the Week award.
NEC MEN’S LACROSSE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Tommy Thompson, Detroit Mercy
Fr., SSDM, Cranbrook, British Columbia/The Hill Academy
Thompson made his collegiate debut against Ohio State on February 1 and contributed right away. The freshman from British Columbia caused two turnovers against the No. 10 Buckeyes in the season opener.
NEC PRIME PERFORMERS
Kyle Grant, Detroit Mercy (D, Sr.)
Grant scored a goal, caused two turnovers and picked up four ground balls in Detroit Mercy's season opener against Ohio State.
Sean Henige, Detroit Mercy (D, Gr.)
Henige picked up four ground balls and caused two turnovers against Ohio State.
Cameron Connolly, LIU (A, So.)
NEC Player of the Week.
Tyler Gresh, LIU (M, R-So.)
NEC Defensive Player of the Week.
Aidan Zuhoski, LIU (M, Jr.)
Zuhoski tallied four points from two goals and two assists in LIU's season-opening win over Mount St. Mary's. His second goal put LIU up 14-12 and proved to be the dagger for the Sharks.
Dayton Bagwell, VMI (A/M, Jr.)
Bagwell totaled five points off four goals and an assist in VMI's season opener against High Point on Saturday. He also picked up two ground balls.
2026 NEC MEN'S LACROSSE WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
NEC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Feb. 9: Cameron Connolly, LIU
NEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Feb. 9: Tyler Gresh, LIU
NEC ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Feb. 9: Tommy Thompson, UDM