April 28, 2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence College's Bennett Murphy (Princeton, N.J.) was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Offensive Player of the Week in men's lacrosse on Monday, April 28. Murphy helped guide the Friars to a 2-0 record last week, leading the offense with nine points on five goals and four assists.

On April 23, Murphy started the week with five points (three goals, two assists) in a 12-3 victory over Wagner in Providence, R.I. On April 26, Murphy registered two goals and two assists in an 11-5 victory over Canisius in Buffalo, N.Y. Canisius was previously unbeaten in league action. The win gave Providence a share of the MAAC Regular-Season title and the No. 1 seed in the upcoming MAAC Tournament.

The Friars have claimed the MAAC Regular-Season title four times since 2003 and are seeking their fourth MAAC Tournament crown when they begin play on May 2 in Loundonville, N.Y. The Friars have won three of the last four tournament championships, including back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007. Top-seeded Providence will take on No. 4 seed VMI in the semifinals on May 2 at Noon. Should the Friars advance to the championship game, they will face the winner of the second semifinal on Friday between No. 2 Canisius and No. 3 Manhattan, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. The MAAC Championship game is scheduled for Sunday, May 4 at 1:00 p.m. The winner of the MAAC Tournament title wins the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament.