SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer’s Will McCarthy and Richmond’s Jack Rusbuldt have been named the Southern Conference men’s lacrosse offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for all games Feb. 23 to March 1. The awards are selected by the league office.
 
McCarthy tied his career high with four goals in the Bears’ 10-9 win over Cleveland State on Sunday. The senior from Walpole, Massachusetts, put five of his six shots on the frame on the day and added two ground balls and a caused turnover. McCarthy has scored in 10 straight games.
 
Rusbuldt picked up the 10-9 win in goal for the Spiders against Towson. The graduate student from Richmond, Virginia, faced 35 shots and made 13 saves on the day, allowing 10 goals for a .565 save percentage. Rusbuldt allowed just one fourth-quarter goal as Richmond rallied from a four-goal deficit for the win.
 
Mercer (2-3) is back in action when it visits North Carolina on Saturday, while Richmond (1-2) takes on Duke on Sunday. The Tar Heels are ranked No. 1 in the USILA / Dynamic poll, while the Blue Devils are No. 1 in the Inside Lacrosse and Nike/US Lacrosse Magazine polls. Richmond is ranked No. 16 in all three polls.
 
Other offensive nominees: Luke Grayum (Richmond).
 
Other defensive nominees: Ashton Wood (Mercer).
 
2021 Southern Conference Men’s Lacrosse Players of the Week
Offense
Feb. 16    Jack Dolan, R-Jr., M, Jacksonville
Feb. 23    Asher Nolting, Sr., A, High Point
March 2   Will McCarthy, Sr., M, Mercer
 
Defense
Feb. 16    Ashton Wood, Jr., FO, Mercer
Feb. 23    Braden Host, Sr., GK, Air Force
March 2   Jack Rusbuldt, Gr., GK, Richmond