ATLANTA – Minn.-Duluth upset D-II No. 1 St. Thomas as well as D-I No. 22 Minnesota, thanks to the play of its sophomore defensive middie Colin Joyce, who earned MCLA Division II Commanding Performance of the Week powered by Under Armour for the period ending Feb. 25.

On Saturday against the top-ranked Tommies, Joyce was tasked with matching up with one of the various high-powered midfielders from UST. His efforts helped the Bulldogs build a 9-3 halftime lead on its way to the upset.

Minnesota was up next on Sunday and this time Joyce was marking various Gopher attackmen during the course of the Duluth victory. In both games, the Shakopee, Minn., product made crucial stops at the end.

“Duluth has always had top tier defensive middies and Colin has raised that bar even higher,” said Duluth co-coach Alex McNamara. “Our coaching staff has yet to see a type of player he can’t guard. We feel comfortable putting him out there against the opponents’ top midfielder and even top attackman with the same result.”

“Colin's defensive instincts and grit give him the advantage in all match-ups,” added Duluth co-coach Ben Blaeser. “However, it’s his desire to do anything requested for his fellow defensive middies and teammates that make him a special player to coach.”

For his efforts in earning the Commanding Performance of the Week powered by Under Armour, Joyce will receive a new Under Armour Command Head – a $100 value. Under Armour is the proud sponsor of the MCLA.

Under Armour Honor Roll

Benjamin Cole, Jr. – Western Washington
The attackman scored six goals and dished out three assists in the Vikings’ defeat of divisional rival Puget Sound.

Mikey Fifield, Sr. – Appalachian State
The Mountaineers went up against No. 9 Kennesaw State and took the loss, but through no fault of their netminder who turned away 29 shots in the setback.

Baylen Marschall, Soph. – Sierra Nevada
The Eagles downed No. 25 Santa Cruz thanks to four goals and two assists from the midfielder.

Louis Richman, Sr. – Montana State
The Bobcats squared up with Division I Utah State and MSU rolled to a win thanks to five goals and four assists from the attackman.

Peter Williamson, Sr. – Biola
Against Marymount, the do-it-all middie went 20-for-20 on faceoffs, grabbed 18 ground balls and notched a hat trick for the Eagles. He now owns the program record both GBs and faceoff wins.