(Photo by Kevin Schoonover)

ATLANTA – Georgia Tech won the SELC title thanks to the dominant performance by sophomore faceoff specialist Benjamin Skopicki, who was named the MCLA Division I Warrior Player of the Week for the period ending April 21.

In the semifinal against No. 15 Florida State, the Jericho, N.Y., product gave the Yellow Jackets a decided advantage at the dot, winning 29-of-33 draws (87.9%) while scooping up a staggering 24 ground balls.

He also chipped in with a goal and an assist in Tech’s 17-16 victory.

On Sunday, the Ramblin’ Wreck squared off with No. 20 Florida and again Skopicki was on his game. He won 21-of-29 faceoffs (72.4%) and gobbled up another 10 ground balls. He also tacked an additional goal and a dime as the Jackets won, 16-10.

“Ben’s dominant performances had a huge impact on both of our games this weekend,” said Georgia Tech coach Ken Lovic. “Our offense felt much more confident knowing that we would continue to get the ball back after goals. Ben has worked extremely hard this season and it was great to see it all pay off this weekend.

“The postseason is so crucial possession-wise. When you are playing good teams with multiple ways to score, knowing we can counter an opposing goal with possession is incredibly important.

“Ben has worked so hard this year to become our number one faceoff guy and his work results speak for themselves.”

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

Warrior Honor Roll

Brock Altland, Sr. – West Virginia
Behind six goals and a dime from the Dallastown, Pa., attackman, the Mountaineers stunned James Madison in the ALC first round.

Luc Dumont, Fr. – California
The middie out of Manhattan Beach struck for two goals and four assists as the Golden Bears dropped Santa Clara in the WCLL first round.

Jack Gradle, Sr. – Virginia Tech
The Falls Church, Va., product was a rock for the Hokies’ defense, grabbing three ground balls, causing three turnovers and even notching an apple.

Zach Halloran, Fr. – Florida
The middie from Folsom, Calif., recorded hat tricks against both South Carolina and Georgia Tech, leading the Gators to the SELC title tilt.

Ryan McCarthy, Sr. – Northeastern
The do-it-all middie for the Huskies from Winchester, Mass., had four goals and five helpers in a pair of victories.

James Miner, Soph. – Connecticut
The middie from Mystic, Conn., had five goals and a pair of GBs to beat Buffalo and catapult the Huskies into the CLC tourney.

Benen Powers, Soph. – Sonoma State
The Oak Park, Calif., native buried four goals and set up three others, leading the Seawolves to a triple overtime win over Stanford.

Mason Rezanka, Soph. – Michigan State
The San Diego product dropped hat tricks on all three opponents during the Spartans run to the UMLC crown. Tack on four assists and nine GBs.

Luc Schnieder, Fr. – San Diego State
The rookie midfielder out Austin, Texas, dropped three goals and an assist on No. 4 Chapman, helping the Aztecs pull the upset.