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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA Shamel Bratton has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference men’s lacrosse player of the week for his play in leading Virginia to two victories last week.
Against Mount St. Mary’s last Tuesday night he scored twice and added an assist as the Cavaliers gained a 10-2 win. His three points shared the team lead, while his two goals were the team’s second-highest total. He also led the team with a career-high six ground balls.
As one of the most dynamic players in the country, Bratton had the type of breakout game that Syracuse coach John Desko feared as he helped Virginia topple No. 1 and previously unbeaten Syracuse Friday night in the Carrier Dome. Bratton scored a career-high four goals and added an assist as Virginia upset the top-ranked Orange 13-12. It is the first time this season he has led the team in goals.
Bratton scored three of his four goals in the second half, as well as recording his assist, to help Virginia extend its lead from 7-5 to 11-6 in the fourth quarter. The lead grew to as many as five at 13-8 before Syracuse made its final push in the final five minutes, but the Orange could get no closer than the one-goal final margin.
Bratton is currently third on the team with eight goals this season.
With the win the Cavaliers jumped past Syracuse and moved into the No. 1 spot in this week’s coaches poll; they remained atop the media poll where they have been all season. Virginia received every first-place vote in both polls.
The Cavaliers hit the road again tomorrow for a game at VMI in Lexington, Va. Faceoff is set for 3:30 pm.