For the second time in three weeks, a University of Delaware newcomer has been honored as the Colonial Athletic Association men’s lacrosse rookie of the week. 

Freshman goalkeeper Matt DeLuca, who made a surprise first career start but came up big in UD’s thrilling 11-10 overtime win over Monmouth on Saturday, Feb. 25, at Delaware Stadium, gets the nod this week. Two weeks ago, Blue Hen freshman attackman Charlie Kitchen also earned CAA honors.

A sports psychology major, DeLuca came up big in his first career start to highlight the win over Monmouth.

Having played just three minutes all season long entering Saturday, he found out that morning that he’d be making the start in the cage because starter Parker Ferrigan was ill. DeLuca responded by making 15 saves, including two clutch stops in overtime to give Delaware possession which eventually led to the game-winner with 1:04 left in overtime. He also had four groundballs and caused a turnover in the 11-10 win.

UD (3-2), which defeated VMI by a 15-9 score on Tuesday with DeLuca posting eight saves, will look for its third straight win on Saturday, March 4, when the Hens head to Villanova for a non-conference game at 3 p.m. at Villanova Stadium. 

In addition to DeLuca, Towson University’s Alex Woodall and Hofstra University’s Josh Byrne were named the CAA men’s lacrosse players of the week.