There have been 874 student-athletes come through the University of Delaware Lacrosse men’s lacrosse program. Prior to this year, only 12 of them had earned multiple All-American accolades during their careers.

Let’s make that number 13 after senior goaltender Matt DeLuca was named an Honorable Mention All-American by Inside Lacrosse for the second straight year. 

Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, UD and other universities across the United States have canceled organized athletic practices and games to help reduce the spread of the virus.

In just six games, DeLuca ranked seventh in the country in goals against average at 8.78 per game and since the start of the 2019 season, he ranks in the top-three in the country with a 9.57 GAA.

Twice in those six games, the Blue Hens held opponents to two goals or less and for the second straight season, Delaware ranked in the top-10 in the country in scoring defense.

For his career, DeLuca is in the top-five in program history in career saves, save percentage and goals against average.

DeLuca, who is not related to UD men’s lacrosse coach Ben DeLuca, is from Farmingdale, N.Y.

In February, Matt DeLuca was honored as one of 20 candidates for a prestigious award recognizing some of the nation’s best student-athletes for their success on and off the field.

The Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, and focuses on the total student-athlete. It is meant to encourage students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. The award winners are scheduled to be announced in May.

A communication major, DeLuca carries a 3.202 grade point average and he was named to the Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner’s honor roll. Before many community groups had to cease operations because of the coronavirus pandemic, DeLuca was active in the community, helping with programs at the Ferris School and McVey Elementary.