University of Massachusets Athletics
Kyle Smith Named CAA Player Of The Week
April 24, 2012 | Men's Lacrosse
April 24, 2012
AMHERST, Mass. - Highlighted by a momentum-changing fourth quarter interception leading to a break-away score, Kyle Smith's three-goal, two assist effort in the 14-13 UMass men's lacrosse win over Hofstra earned him CAA Player of the Week honors as announced Monday. The win sealed the 2012 CAA Regular-Season Title and the No. 1 seed in next week's CAA Championship Tournament for the Minutemen.
Smith had two of his goals and both of his assists in the first half as UMass led 8-5 at the intermission. It was his third goal, however, that had the most impact on the game.
After Hofstra took a 11-10 lead eight seconds into the 4th quarter as part of a five-goal run, Smith intercepted a clearing pass and then scored an unassisted goal to give the Minutemen back the lead for good with 9:52 left in the game. That momentum change allowed UMass to score two more goals, hold off the Pride, and secure the No. 1 seed in the CAA Championship Tournament.
Through 12 games, Smith now has 26 goals which ranks 2nd on the team and in the CAA. He also has 37 points which is third-best on the team.
UMass will head to Delaware on Friday, April 28 for a 7 PM opening faceoff. The game will be carried on 100.9 FM KIX and on UMassAthletics.com. The Minutemen will host either Towson or Hofstra next Wednesday, May 2 (7 PM) at Garber Field for the CAA Semifinals.
