(Photo by Anna Scipione)

ATLANTA – After racking up big numbers on a 2-0 non-conference road trip for UC San Diego, Tritons rookie attackman Austin Ortel has been named the MCLA Division II Warrior Player of the Week for the period ending March 6.

UCSD started the weekend on Friday night against UC Santa Cruz and the Alexandria, Va., native factored in half of the Tritons goals in a 14-11 victory over the Banana Slugs. He potted four goals and dished out three assists.

The following day, UCSD ran up against Saint Mary’s in Moraga, Calif., and again Ortel was dominant. He chalked up a hat trick and set up five other goals as the Tritons coasted.

For the weekend, he amassed seven goals and eight assists for 15 points.

"The amount of poise and command that Austin plays with, it's hard to believe that he's just a freshman,” said UC San Diego coach Albert Man. “The team feeds off his energy.

“He has a Nick Dean-like vision of the field. For anyone familiar with our program, that's about the highest praise one can give.”

For his efforts earning the Warrior Player of the Week, Ortel will receive a Warrior Burn XP-O – a $100 value – for his efforts. Warrior is a proud sponsor of the MCLA.

Warrior Honor Roll

Keaton Bean, Attack – Northwest Nazarene
The Nighthawks held off Western Oregon thanks to the efforts of the Tigard, Ore., native. Bean racked up eight goals and four helpers in a 17-13 win.

Matt Bess, Midfield – Montana State
The Bobcats took down a pair of ranked teams thanks to the Castle Rock, Colo., native. Bess combined for five goals and three dimes in the two wins.

Eli Haire, Defense – Georgia Southern
In the Eagles setback against Miami, the rookie pole was impressive with four caused turnovers and 13 ground balls.

Matthew Hoak, Midfield – San Jose State
The Stockton, Calif., product scored seven goals and dished out an assist against Humboldt before notching six more and a dime in a loss to Sierra Nevada.

Nic Mathieu, Midfield – Bridgewater State
The Bears split against St. John’s and North Dakota State thanks to a combined three goals and two assists from the Methuen, Mass., native.