Lax star Mason Poli named All-American

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Sophomore defenseman Mason Poli (Downingtown, Pa.) spent all season racking up the stats while anchoring the Bryant University men's lacrosse backline as arguably the team's most dangerous player, and Thursday he was awarded for his efforts, earning 2011 All-America Honorable Mention honors from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA).

This is the second-straight season in which a Bryant defenseman has earned the honor, and the All-America accolade puts a cap on an impressive season for the second-year Bulldog. Poli adds the honor to a list that already includes a First Team All-Northeast Conference nod, a First Team All-New England pick and an NEC All-Tournament Team selection.

A longpole who made his presence felt in the offensive third as well as on defense, Poli finished the year with eight scores, including two in the NEC Tournament Semifinal. A two-time NEC Defensive Player of the Week, he scored the Bulldogs' only man-down tally of the year. Poli wrapped up his sophomore campaign with a team-best 34 caused turnovers – his 2.00 per game tie him for ninth in the nation – and picked up 64 ground balls, good for second on the team. His 34 caused turnovers rank third in the program's single-season record books and he also sits third all-time in the career category with 45 over the past two seasons. He ranks second all-time averaging 1.36 caused turnovers per outing and is tied for second with six in a single game (vs. Holy Cross, vs. Yale).

Poli is the third All-American from the men's lacrosse program in as many years at the Division I level, following Zack Greer (2009 Second Team All-America) and Matt Murnane (2010 Honorable Mention All-America). He is one of just two players from the Northeast Conference to earn USILA All-America honors.

Poli will return in 2011-12 for his junior season.