SENIOR DEFENSEMAN MATT MURNANE NAMED HONORABLE MENTION ALL-AMERICA

May 27, 2010

SENIOR DEFENSEMAN MATT MURNANE NAMED HONORABLE MENTION ALL-AMERICA

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – After one of the most impressive seasons in Bryant men’s lacrosse history, senior defenseman Matt Murnane (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) adds the cherry to the top of an ever-growing list of postseason honors, being named a 2010 Honorable Mention All-American by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA), as announced Thursday morning.

Murnane picked up a team-high 70 ground balls and forced a team- and league-best 42 caused turnovers on his senior season, posting a 2.47 caused turnovers per game statistic that ranks fourth in the nation. His solid defense and impressive stick skills anchored a Bryant defense that topped the national rankings, allowing just 6.6 goals per game through 17 outings in 2010.

“Speaking for our entire program, we are so thrilled for Matt in receiving this outstanding honor,” said head coach Mike Pressler. “We led the country in team defense and Matt Murnane was undoubtedly a key part of that.

“In all my time in coaching, I’ve never seen or coached a more complete defenseman,” he continued. “His stick skills are uncanny, and he’s one of the best cover guys I’ve ever seen. Matt has such an expansive and impressive lacrosse IQ, especially defensively, and for him to be able to add All-American to his long list of accolades is without question very well-earned and well-deserved.”

Murnane’s All-American selection is the newest in a list of postseason awards for the defenseman following the 2010 campaign, and joins such recognitions as Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team, NEILA All-New England selection and USILA North/South Game pick.

Murnane graduates from Bryant as the all-time leader in caused turnovers both in a single season (43) and in a career (110), and is third all-time in career ground balls with 253. This is the second All-America selection for the New York native, who was named a Division II All-American in 2008.

The Bryant men’s lacrosse team completed its second Division I season with a 12-5 overall record and becomes eligible for an NCAA tournament bid in 2011.