USILA Players of the Week - Week Five

PERRY, N.Y. – Endicott senior defenseman Ian Knechtle (New Canaan, Conn.) has been recognized by the USILA as the NCAA Division III North Defensive Player of the Week for his role in helping the Gulls secure wins over Connecticut College and Springfield last week. Knechtle accepts his award after being named CCC and ECAC Division III New England Defensive Player of the week earlier this week.

In Endicott's wins over NESCAC opponent Connecticut College (W, 12-6) and NEWMAC rival Springfield (W, 22-14), Knechtle totaled seven caused turnovers, 10 groundballs, and scored twice in the victory over the Pride for his first two goals in a Gulls uniform. Knechtle's ability to force turnovers was crucial in the game against the Camels as Endicott was able to race out to a 6-0 lead. Three of his five caused turnovers that game came during that stretch. In a high-scoring contest with Springfield, Knechtle scooped up seven groundballs to help the Blue and Green maintain possession throughout the game.

Through Endicott's five wins, Knechtle has a team-high 14 caused turnovers and ranks second with 22 groundballs.

Knechtle is Endicott's second national player of the week honoree this season after sophomore attacker Colin Bannon (Westport, Conn.) was named USILA Division III North Offensive Player of the Week after the Gulls season opening win over Stevens.

Endicott, ranked sixth in the latest USILA Division III Top-20 Coaches' Poll will take their undefeated record into their second matchup with a top-10 ranked program on Friday night at #9 Amherst. Face-off is at 5:00 p.m.