TOWSON, Md. - Senior Matt Frey led Elizabethtown's defense with five caused turnovers and eight ground balls in Saturday's conference-opening win over Susquehanna. Frey was selected as the Landmark Defensive Player of the Week for the first time Monday afternoon.
The two-time All-Commonwealth Conference honoree from West Grove, Pennsylvania, nearly equaled his single-game career-highs in caused turnovers (six) and ground balls (nine) as the Blue Jays stunned two-time defending Landmark champion Susquehanna, 7-5, Saturday in their league debut.
Elizabethtown jumped out to a 2-0 lead 6:10 into the game, but the Crusaders would rally to go in front 3-2 at the end of the first quarter. Frey would cause major disruptions for SU's attackmen in the second, forcing four of his game-high five turnovers in the quarter. The Crusaders were held to two goals in the final 45 minutes and generated only 19 shots (11 on goal) for the game. Seven of those shots came in the first quarter.
Frey also caused two turnovers and had five ground balls in Wednesday's 14-1 victory over Delaware Valley.
Monday's weekly award was Frey's first from the Landmark Conference and second of his career after being named Commonwealth Conference Defenseman/Goalie of the Week on March 25, 2013. He is the third Blue Jay to be recognized this season. Sophomore attackman Joe Clark was named Landmark Offensive Player of the Week Feb. 23 and last Monday.
Frey's 33 ground balls and 18 caused turnovers for the season both rank second in the conference. His 33 ground balls are the most amongst defensemen in the Landmark.
Elizabethtown (5-2, 1-0 Landmark) hosts York (Pa.) in a non-conference game Wednesday at 4 p.m. The Spartans are ranked 20th in this week's USILA Division III Coaches Poll.