Rafferty Earns First Career CAA Rookie of The Week Award Following Two Hat Tricks
March 18, 2013
File Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell
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RICHMOND, Va. – After posting her first two career hat tricks, University of Delaware women’s lacrosse freshman McKenzie Rafferty was honored Monday by the Colonial Athletic Association and WomensLax.com as their Rookie of the Week.
Rafferty picked up her first career hat trick Wednesday in the Blue Hens’ significant 10-9 win over nationally ranked Loyola (Md.). With the win, Delaware defeated its first ranked opponent since 2009 and its highest ranked foe since a 14-13 win over then No. 2 James Madison in 2000. The victory was also the first against Loyola since 2007.
The Chester Springs, Pa. native followed with another three goals in the team’s highest scoring output in five years in a 19-7 victory at Lafayette Saturday.
“McKenzie has been working diligently to take her game to the next level,” Delaware head coach Kateri Linville remarked. “Her hard work and competitive spirit earned her a starting spot this week. Given the opportunity to step up, McKenzie proved that she is capable of executing in pressure situations. I am thrilled to see McKenzie being a difference maker in our attack.”
Delaware has scored 10 or more goals six times in eight outings this year.
Rafferty also controlled her first career draw against the Greyhounds.
For the week, Rafferty totaled six goals, two groundballs and five draw controls as the Blue Hens improved to 5-3 overall on the season, the team’s best eight-game start in three seasons under head coach Kateri Linville.
Through eight games played in her rookie campaign, Rafferty is tied for fifth on the team with 11 goals scored with eight points. She has added five draw controls, three groundballs and one caused turnover for UD.
Rafferty is the second Blue Hen to earn Rookie of the Week honors as classmate Kara Dattellas has picked up two Rookie of the Week accolades so far this season.
Delaware has this coming week off and next hosts Temple on Wednesday, March 27 at 5 p.m. before opening CAA action Sunday, March 31 with a 1p.m. draw against Towson.
