LANCASTER, Pa. – Ursinus College men's lacrosse senior Alex Middleman was named the Centennial Conference defensive player of the week after helping the Bears rally from a big deficit in a double-overtime thriller at Mary Washington on Saturday.

Middleman was terrific as one of the anchors of the Bears' close defense, racking up a career-high four caused turnovers and five ground balls in a stellar performance. Thanks in large part to Middleman's exploits, Ursinus kept the Eagles off the scoreboard for the final six minutes of the first half as well as the entire third quarter, allowing the visitors to rally from a 6-1 deficit.

A first-time starter, Middleman has taken full advantage of his opportunity. He is tied for the conference lead with six caused turnovers and ranks tied for 10^th with nine ground balls.

Now up to No. 18 in the latest USILA Division III rankings, the men's lacrosse team is set to take on 17^th-ranked Cortland in Wednesday's home opener.