Cormier, Wayer Nab ACC Weekly Honors
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia attackman Payton Cormier and long-stick midfielder Ben Wayer have been named ACC men’s lacrosse Co-Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Feb. 12-18, the conference office announced on Tuesday (Feb. 20).
Tuesday’s announcement marks Cormier’s fourth career ACC weekly honor and Wayer’s first.
With three goals in the Cavaliers’ 14-10 win at No. 16 Richmond this past Saturday (Feb. 17), Cormier shattered Doug Knight’s program record of 165 career goals, which previously stood since 1997. In 57 career games, Cormier now has 167 career goals, the most among all Division-I active players. His 2.93 goals-per-game average also leads all players on UVA’s all-time career goals list. Cormier finished with three goals and an assist in UVA’s second win of the season, which also marked his 32nd career hat trick.
For the second consecutive week, Wayer collected five balls off the ground and added one caused turnover in the Hoos’ victory over the Spiders. Wayer played a pivotal role in the Spiders’ six failed clears, four of which occurred in the fourth quarter. Additionally, Richmond’s starting midfield line combined for just two goals. Wayer was also a key contributor on UVA’s faceoff unit, which won 15 of the game’s 26 total faceoffs, including 10 of 14 in the second half.
No. 3 Virginia (2-0) hosts No. 20 Ohio State (4-0) on Sunday (Feb. 25). Opening faceoff from Klöckner Stadium is set for 1 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
2024 ACC Men’s Lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week
Feb. 6 – Josh Zawada, Gr., A, Duke
Feb. 13 – Joey Spallina, So., A, Syracuse
Feb. 20 – Pat Kavanagh, Gr., A, Notre Dame; Payton Cormier, Gr., A, Virginia
2024 ACC Men’s Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week
Feb. 6 – Jake Naso, Sr., FO, Duke
Feb. 13 – Mason Kohn, 5th, FO, Syracuse
Feb. 20 – Ben Wayer, Jr., LSM, Virginia