JU Men: Chicquen and Mattushik Earn All-Conference Distinctions
via press release – picture via JU web site
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced its men’s lacrosse postseason list Tuesday, and Jacksonville University saw two recognized in midfielder McLean Chicquen and attackman Dwayne Mattushik.
The former was named All-SoCon Second Team while Mattushik received all-freshman honors.
“I am very proud of the young men selected from our team that have garnered All-SoCon awards for the 2017 season,” said head coach John Galloway.
Chicquen, a junior transfer from Stony Brook, was elected team captain at the start of the season, and has made an immediate impact in his first year in the green and white.
He currently manages a team-high 34 points on 22 goals and 12 assists, and ranks fifth in the SoCon in points per game at 2.62. Chicquen tabbed his first SoCon Player of the Week award after recording a career-high five goals – the most scored by a Dolphin this year — in Jacksonville’s 13-7 victory over Mercer.
“Mclean Chicquen has been a key cog in our offensive success throughout the season,” continued Galloway. “He has tremendous lacrosse IQ, a knack for getting to the goal, and an unselfish work ethic that has helped lead our young offense. As a transfer, Mclean was named captain by his teammates after being on campus for just three months. I believe that speaks to his leadership skills and ability to bring his teammates with him.”
More than 70 percent of Chicquen’s shots are on target, and he has also recorded 27 ground balls and caused three turnovers.
Mattushik’s freshman campaign features 14 goals and a pair of assists. He currently ranks third on the Dolphins in goals scored, and possesses the second best scoring mark on the seven-member all-freshman team.
Defensively, he adds 19 ground balls and a caused turnover.
“Dwayne Mattushik has been one of our most pleasant surprises as a staff. He simply has done everything we asked, and does it with a smile on his face,” said Galloway. “He is such an intelligent kid, yet still craves extra work and feedback. His future is bright in Jacksonville, and he is certainly deserving of this accolade.”
Chicquen and Mattushik will both be relied on this Thursday, when Jacksonville makes its first-ever SoCon Tournament appearance in a 5 p.m. semifinal versus Air Force.
The game will be aired on the SoCon Digital Network.