Crotty Named National Attackman Of The Year

DURHAM, N.C.?Duke University senior Ned Crotty added another award to his collection today, being named the USILA's Lt. Col. J.I. Turnbull Award recipient as the nation's top attackman. This marks the third consecutive season and fourth time in the past five years a Blue Devil has taken home the honor.

Previous Blue Devils to capture the attackman of the year award are Zack Greer in 2008 and Matt Danowoski in 2005 and 2007.

Recently named to the USILA All-America first team, Crotty has led the Blue Devils to their third straight NCAA Semifinal appearance and a 15-3 overall record. He paces the offense with 23 goals and 53 assists for 76 points. The New Vernon, N.J., native moved to attack this season after spending three seasons in the midfield for Duke. His 53 assists and 76 overall points both lead the nation. He scored at least one point in 17 games this season and tallied eight points three times, including in Duke's most recent victory over North Carolina in the NCAA Quarterfinals. His other eight-point outings came against No. 1 Virginia during the regular season and in the ACC Tournament semifinals.

His 53 assists this season rank second all-time in Duke single-season history and is just three shy of tying Matt Danowski's 56 in 2008. A starter in each of the past three seasons, Crotty ranks eighth in Duke history in career assists (82) and 21st in career points (151).

Duke continues its quest for its first lacrosse national title on Saturday, May 23, taking on second-seed Syracuse at 12 p.m., at Gillette Stadium.

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