ATLANTA – Minnesota-Duluth made a powerful first statement in MCLA Division II, and senior defensemen Sam Harris was the backbone of the Bulldogs 11-7 victory over No. 5 St. John’s on Saturday. For his efforts, he earned the Commanding Performance of the Week powered by Under Armour for the period ending Feb. 21.

Harris was tasked with matching up against Johnnies junior Brooks Armitage, a first team All-American on attack last spring, and the Maple Grove, Minn., product held Armitage without a point – the first time the St. John's star had been blanked in his career.

Harris grabbed five ground balls in the win over St. John’s and caused four turnovers. In limited action on Sunday in the 33-1 victory over North Dakota, he added three more caused turnovers.

“Sam led by pure example from the start of our game to the finish,” said Duluth coach Sam Litman. “Sam set the tone for us from the get-go, stripping the ball from Armitage on the first St. John’s possession of the game, picking up the ground ball and clearing it to the offensive zone.”

For his efforts in earning the Commanding Performance of the Week powered by Under Armour, Harris will receive a new Under Armour Command Head. Under Armour is the proud sponsor of the MCLA.

UNDER ARMOUR HONOR ROLL

Christopher Briner, Soph., Columbus State – Undefeated Missouri State was on the cusp of a national ranking, but Briner made 20 saves in a 7-5 win for the Cougars.

Cody Clark, Sr., Kennesaw – Division I West Virginia visited the Owls on Friday night and Clark proved to be a rude host, scoring seven goals and setting up three others.

Quinn Coyle, Jr., St. Ambrose – The Bees traveled to the Division I Iowa and pulled off the upset thanks to two goals and two dimes from Coyle.

Kyle Gilbert, Soph., Georgia Southern – The Eagles swept a doubleheader on Saturday against previously undefeated La.-Lafayette (11-10) and St. Louis (15-6) and Gilbert finished with nine goals and a dime.

Spencer Macek, Sr., Siena Heights – Faced with Division I Central Michigan in the season opener, Macek notched a hat trick along with two other assists as the Saints rolled, 15-5.

(Photo by Kelly Kattermann)