ATLANTA – With an all-around performance that helped Rice improve to 5-0, Owls’ sophomore midfielder Davis Nelson earned MCLA Division II Commanding Performance of the Week powered by Under Armour for the period ending March 4.

Rice opened the weekend against Texas A&M-Galveston on Friday night and Nelson was critical to the 14-0 victory. The Concord, N.C., product score three goals and set up four others while also grabbing four ground balls and winning 12-of-16 faceoffs.

Nelson backed that up against Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday afternoon, notching another hat trick along with two assists. He also went 12-of-13 on draws with three ground balls.

For the weekend, Nelson had six goals, six assists and seven ground balls while winning 24-of-29 (82.8 percent) of his faceoffs.

“Davis came to Rice last year as a freshman and immediately received respect from his teammates due to his work ethic and his personality,” said Rice coach Mike Ormsby. “As his initial season progressed, he realized his potential on the field as a player and as a team leader. He has a great rapport with each of his teammates, and it has a positive effect on their play on the field.”

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

Under Armour Honor Roll

Monte Bordeaux, Sr. – Missouri State
In a pair of key divisional wins, the attackman struck for nine goals and an assist to keep the Bears at the top of the LSA North pack.

Ryan Dodd, Sr. – Colorado Denver
The Lynx ran up against Wyoming on Sunday and Dodd’s nine-point effort (5g, 4a) proved too much for the Cowboys.

Nick Griffin, Sr. – Florida Gulf Coast
After dishing out three assists in the Eagles win over North Florida, the attackman scored a goal and dropped five more dimes against No. 19 Louisiana.

Tanner Kline, Sr. – Columbus State
Shaking off a mid-game injury against Ga. Southern, the close defender had five caused turnovers, 10 ground balls, a goal and an assist. He also caused the game-sealing turnover in an 11-10 victory.

Bobby Parker, Fr. – Central Conn. State
In his first collegiate game, the Colchester, Conn., product went a perfect 15-for-15 on faceoffs in an 11-2 win over Southern Conn. State.