Feb. 20, 2008

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. - Navy junior goalkeeper Matt Coughlin (Brightwaters, N.Y.) and two-time All-America defenseman Jordan DiNola (Ballston Lake, N.Y.) earned recognition from the Patriot League office Tuesday afternoon as both players were named to the league's list of men's lacrosse players of the week. Coughlin took home goalkeeper-of the week kudos, while DiNola was named the league's defensive player of the week.

Making his first-collegiate start, Coughlin made a career-high seven saves in leading the Midshipmen to a 10-2 win over VMI in Navy's season-opener on Feb. 9. Coughlin, who had played in a combined 13:25 in four games coming into the season, faced 21 shots and surrendered a pair of goals in claiming his first win between the pipes. He followed up with a four-save performance at Ohio State last Saturday, making a critical point-blank save late in the fourth quarter. The Long Island native gave up seven goals in helping secure an overtime win for the Midshipmen.

DiNola was tasked with defending two of the premier scorers in the country in the Mids' first two weeks - Kevin Hill of VMI who scored 24 goals and added 26 assists in 2007 and Preseason All-American Kevin Buchanan who produced 21 goals and 27 assists a year ago. Hill was held to just a goal,while Buchanan dumped in three goals, including an unsettled marker as time expired. A three-year starter for the Mids, DiNola has spearheaded a defense that has traditionally been one of the best in the country. In fact, Navy's defense has been ranked in the top three in each of the last four seasons, finishing third a year ago. The Mids have held 28 of their last 66 opponents to five or fewer goals, while just 10 have managed double figures. Navy has held 32 of its 66 opponents since 2004 to 25 or fewer shots, including both foes this season. Navy has won 29 of those 32 contests. Additionally, the Mids are now 44-7 when holding their opponents to nine or fewer goals since '04.

The nationally-ranked Midshipmen (12th by USILA, T10th by Inside Lacrosse) will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to Long Island where they will battle 2007 NCAA semifinalist Cornell (6th by USILA, 6th by Inside Lacrosse). Action is set for 1:00 pm at Mitchel Athletic Complex, the home of Major League Lacrosse's Long Island Lizards.