(Photo by Maddy Djuric)

ATLANTA – After anchoring the Virginia Tech defense in a pair of Top 5 victories in Blacksburg, Hokies junior defenseman Patrick Droney has been named the MCLA Division I Warrior Player of the Week for the period ending March 24.

Virginia Tech opened the week on Thursday when it entertained No. 5 Chapman. Thanks to an outstanding effort from the Lutherville, Md., product, the Hokies held the Panthers well below their season scoring average in a 16-8 victory.

On Saturday, No. 2 Utah Valley came to southwestern Virginia and again Droney was a stalwart on the back end. His efforts helped stall the prolific Wolverines offense in a 17-10 win.

For the week, Droney had five caused turnovers and six ground balls while helping keep two tournament-bound teams to an average of nine goals per game.

“Patrick has been the cornerstone of our defense,” said Virginia Tech coach Panchito Ojeda. “He stepped up and played outstanding in two Top Five matchups guarding some of the best players in the country.”

For his efforts earning the Warrior Player of the Week, Droney will receive a Warrior Burn XP2-D – a $120 value. Warrior is a proud sponsor of the MCLA.

Warrior Honor Roll

Rory Cavanaugh, Soph. – Georgia
The Marietta native struck for five goals along with two assists, leading the Bulldogs to the upset victory over No. 10 Tennessee.

Jack Eigen, Soph. – Texas
The middie out of Westport, Conn., stung Oregon with six goals and a dime as the Longhorns remain undefeated.

Ethan Gerber, Sr. – Florida
The Gators picked up an important divisional win against Auburn thanks to three goals and four helpers from the Winter Park, Fla., native.

Jeffrey Hoang, Sr. – San Diego State
The attackman out of Aliso Viejo, Calif., had a goal and eight assists against Washington last Monday before hitting USC with three goals and five dimes.

Oskar Lucas, Fr. – Simon Fraser
In a 2-1 weekend in Boise, the attackman out of Vancouver, B.C., accumulated nine goals along with two dimes.

Cooper Raney, Fr. – Arizona
The rookie attackman out of Dallas bolstered the Wildcats chances of making the conference tournament with nine goals and a dime against Grand Canyon.

Colton VanOverberghe, Sr. – Purdue
In a 2-1 weekend for the Boilermakers, the Port Jefferson, N.Y., product amassed eight goals and 10 assists. He had a career-high eight points against Iowa State.

Whit Vickers, Fr. – Alabama
The attackman out of Mobile combined for 13 goals – including the most (8) since 2010 against East Carolina – in two victories for the tide.