In the heart of Piscataway, Rutgers men's lacrosse team is turning heads with some standout performances that have earned them well-deserved Big Ten accolades. After a gritty 8-7 victory over Villanova, three Scarlet Knights have been recognized for their exceptional contributions on the field.
Leading the charge is Joe Juengerkes, who snagged the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor. Juengerkes was instrumental in Rutgers' defensive stand, which held Villanova to a season-low seven goals.
His stat line was impressive: four ground balls, a caused turnover, and even chipping in offensively with a goal and an assist. That kind of versatility and impact on both ends of the field is exactly what makes Juengerkes a defensive powerhouse.
Meanwhile, Cardin Stoller was a wall between the pipes, earning him the Big Ten Specialist of the Week award. Stoller racked up 14 saves, allowing just a single goal over the final 42 minutes of play.
His performance not only secured the win but also boosted his season stats, leading the Big Ten in saves per game and ranking second in save percentage. With a season-high save percentage of 66.7%, Stoller is proving to be a crucial component of Rutgers' defensive success.
Not to be outdone, Dylan Finder, a freshman with a bright future, was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Finder played a pivotal role in the defensive unit that stifled Villanova's offense, holding them well below their season average. His efforts in the midfield were key to Rutgers' ability to control the game and limit Villanova's scoring opportunities.
These individual accolades reflect a team effort that is clearly paying dividends for Rutgers. If the Scarlet Knights continue to play with this level of intensity and cohesion, they’re set to make waves in the Big Ten this season.