By Katie Green, Manager of Athletic Communications and Media

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Matthew Waeckerle of Saint Mary (Kan.) has been named the NAIA National Men’s Lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week and Nick DiFranco of Cumberlands (Ky.) has been named the NAIA National Men’s Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week, the National office announced Tuesday. The duo was selected based on their performances from February 19 - 25, and were chosen out of a pool of conference and unaffiliated group winners.

Offensive Player of the Week
Matthew Waeckerle, Saint Mary
6-0, JR, Mid, Baldwin, Mo.

• Waeckerle led his team in a 25-1 defeat of Central Christian (Kan.) with eight goals.
• Weekly Stats
  • Eight goals
  • 10 shots on goal
  •  Six assists
  •  Five ground balls

Defensive Player of the Week
Nick DiFranco, Cumberlands (Ky.)
5-10, JR, Def, Cleveland, Ohio  

• DiFranco helped hold opponents to 63 percent on clears and an average of 4.5 goals per game.
• Weekly Stats
  •  19 total ground balls, 9.5 average
  • 9 total caused turnovers, 4.5 average

For more information on NAIA men’s lacrosse, CLICK HERE For a complete listing of all the national statistical leaders, CLICK HERE

Offensive Player of the Week Nominees: Joey Badalamenti, Lawrence Tech (Mich.); Connor Mills, Reinhardt (Ga.) 

Defensive Player of the Week Nominees: Jared Huiskens, Lourdes (Ohio)

2017-18 Men's Lacrosse Composite Award Winners (Offensive, Defensive)

Week 1 (February 28): Nick DiFranco, Cumberlands (Ky.), Matthew Waeckerle, Saint Mary (Kan.)