James takes home season's first NEC Player of the Week recognition

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – With nine points over the Bryant men's lacrosse team's opening two games, senior captain Tucker James (Essex Fells, N.J.) has been named 2017's first Northeast Conference Player of the Week.

In a season-opening split stretching two Saturday afternoons, the starting attack and three-time All-NEC honoree paced the Bulldogs (1-1) with nine points off five goals and four assists. James kicked off his 2017 campaign with a game-high six points – including his 100th career goal – scoring three goals and adding three assists in Bryant's season-opening 17-10 road win over Manhattan.

James then followed up with two goals and an assist in a last-second 9-8 loss at Bucknell on Saturday. The New Jersey native also added five ground balls and a team-high four caused turnovers in the two outings.

Junior goalie James Werner (New Rochelle, N.Y.) was named an NEC Prime Performer for his week between the pipes, totaling 20 saves, a .556 save percentage and an 8.23 goals against average. He earned the first victory of his career against the Jaspers.

After two weeks on the road, the Bulldogs return to Smithfield for their 2017 home opener Saturday afternoon against Providence College in the opening round of the Ocean State Cup (1 p.m.).