WEST BABYLON, N.Y. – Another big week for LIU Post athletics helped four Pioneers garner East Coast Conference (ECC) Player of the Week honors, as announced by the league office Feb. 26.
Women's lacrosse senior goalkeeper
Olivia Kirk, men's lacrosse junior goalkeeper
Bryan Ochs, junior pitcher
James Varela and women's basketball senior forward
Sasha Patterson all captured player of the week accolades after excellent performances last week.
The LIU Post women's lacrosse team defeated Southern New Hampshire University, 16-7 in its opening contest of the 2018 season. Kirk was outstanding in the cage, making 16 saves on the afternoon. The senior compiled a 69.6 save percentage, allowing just seven goals on 23 shots on goal, including several big stops to halt a Penmen run during the second half.
Men's lacrosse also picked up a huge win over the weekend as they defeated Adelphi University 9-8 for its first home victory against the Panthers since 2008. The Pioneers shut out Adelphi for the final 26:46 of the contest, allowing just one goal during the second half. Ochs was spectacular during that stretch, making nine saves to help secure the victory. For the day, Ochs tallied 14 saves on 22 shots on goal, registering a 63.6 save percentage.
Varela posted a phenomenal outing on the mound for the LIU Post baseball team on Feb. 22, earning his first victory of the season. The right-hander tossed eight innings, allowing just two runs on five hits while striking out 12 batters along the way.
The LIU Post women's basketball team captured the number one overall seed in this week's ECC Championship and secured the outright regular-season championship with two victories this week. Patterson was a huge part of both wins, averaging 21.5 points and 15.5 rebounds per game. During the season finale against Roberts Wesleyan College, Patterson recorded a 20-20 game, scoring 27 points while hauling in 20 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive end. Patterson currently ranks third in the nation in offensive rebounding, averaging 4.57 boards per game.