Will Bates Named ACC Co-Player of the Week

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia junior forward Will Bates (Chester, Va.) has been named the ACC’s Co-Player of the Week following his big performance in UVa’s 2-1 win over then-No. 2 Maryland last Friday. Bates shares the distinction this week with Duke’s Andrew Wenger.

This marks the first career ACC Player of the Week honor for Bates. He is the first Cavalier to claim the award since Diego Restrepo on Nov. 3, 2009.

Bates scored the game-winning goal and added an assist in the Cavaliers’ victory over the previously unbeaten Terrapins. He first assisted on Ryan Zinkhan’s goal early in the second half with a great through ball. Bates then scored the game-winning goal with just over six minutes remaining in regulation to snap a 1-1 tie.

Bates also created several other scoring chances. He took five shots total but also dished off in several instances to create scoring opportunities and keep the pressure on the Terrapins’ defense, which had allowed just eight goals all season coming into the match.

Bates now has 10 goals this year (third in the ACC) and four assists (seventh in the ACC). With 24 points this season, Bates is tied with Maryland’s Casey Townsend for second in the conference and eighth nationally.

Virginia plays host to Navy at 7 p.m. this evening, then travels to Wake Forest at 7 p.m. Friday in its next ACC action.