ATLANTA - The University of the South was well represented on the 2023 Southern Athletic Association postseason awards, announced on Monday by the league. Ten men's lacrosse student-athletes were recognized on the teams, led by the SAA Coach of the Year,
Nick DiBernardo.
Finishing up his third season as head coach with the Tigers, DiBernardo helped the Tigers secure a share of the regular season title and an 11-win season. The Purple and White hit double digits in the win column for the first time since 2019.
The University of the South has won three SAA Coach of the Year awards. DiBernardo joins Marty Watters, who won the award in back-to-back seasons in 2013 and 2014.
Ashton Anton and
Jack Selner were selected on the First Team, while
Luke Valentine,
Joe Orem and
Jake Cohen were Second Team members.
Davis Gillenwater,
Will Wyckoff,
Alec Jazaeri,
Drew Perun and
Greg Ix were listed as Honorable Mention.
Since the awards were nominated and voted on by the head coaches prior to the SAA Tournament, statistics provided in this release will defer to regular season numbers.
Anton, a senior from Houston, Texas, scored 22 goals and tallied 28 points for the Tigers attack in 2023. Earning his first All-SAA recognition, he also scooped up 14 ground balls.
Selner, a junior from Dallas, Texas, secured his second All-SAA nod after collecting an Honorable Mention last season. Forcing the third-most caused turnovers in the league with 25, he also collected 40 ground balls.
Valentine, a senior from Richmond, Va., notched his second straight All-SAA selection after earning Second Team last season. Scoring 25 goals and adding five assists this season, he collected a .278 shooting percentage.
Orem, a senior from Brentwood, Tenn., earned his first All-Conference nod. Forcing 11 turnovers, he also picked up 33 ground balls.
Cohen, a junior from Greenwich, Conn., recorded his first All-SAA award with 10 caused turnovers and 29 ground balls.
Gillenwater, a senior from Richmond, Va., picked up his first postseason award. Scoring 28 total points with 20 goals and eight assists, he also added 19 ground balls.
Wyckoff, a senior from Cumming, Ga., garnered his first postseason award in his career. Totaling 18 points on 12 goals and six assists and added 12 ground balls.
Jazaeri, a junior from Houston, Texas, collected his first All-SAA award in his career. He totaled 12 caused turnovers and 27 ground balls as a long-stick midfielder.
Perun, a junior from Durham, N.C., was honored with his first All-Conference accolade. Scooping 59 ground balls primarily at the face off and won 112 out of 197 attempts for 56.9%.
Ix, a junior from Charlotte, N.C., earned his first All-SAA honor in goal. Posting an 8-4 record between the pipes, he posted 107 saves and a 9.69 goals against average.
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