GVSU’s Berris Honored by Warrior

(Photo by Murray Sports Photography)

ATLANTA – After dominating the dot in a pair of Lakers victories over the weekend, Grand Valley State grad student faceoff man Alex Berris has been named the MCLA Division II Warrior Player of the Week for the period ending March 30.

The Lakers’ week started on Friday against long-time UMLC East rival Dayton, and the Rockford, Mich., product set the tone. He finished by winning 16-of-18 faceoffs (88.9 win percentage) while gobbling up 10 ground balls and adding a goal as GVSU rolled to a 28-8 triumph.

On Sunday, Grand Valley entertained perennial nationals participant Missouri State and again Berris won another 16-of-18 draws and scooped up an additional 10 ground balls in a 22-3 victory.

For the weekend he won 32 of the 36 faceoffs he took with 20 ground balls and a marker.

“Alex is a leader by example for our team, as evidenced by his selection as a team captain by his teammates,” said Grand Valley State coach Tim Murray. “He is always putting in extra work before and after practice, and getting in as many extra reps as possible. He is the type of player who makes his teammates better, and holds himself — and others — to a high standard.

“This past weekend, Alex demonstrated a high level of ability in both games. Whether he had to win the ball forward, execute a defensive exit, win the ball to himself or use his wing players, Alex had an answer for whatever personnel he was going up against at the faceoff X.

“His ability to win the ball at the faceoff X has given our team the opportunity to string goals together and jump on teams early in games. And that is exactly what happened both Friday and Sunday.”

For his efforts earning the Warrior Player of the Week, Berris will receive a Warrior Formula head – a $120 value. Warrior is a proud sponsor of the MCLA.

Warrior Honor Roll

Braden Baro, Kennesaw State
In wins over North Florida and Georgia Southern combined for 13 points (8g, 5a) with 4 GBs.

Blake Foster, St. John’s
Combined for 11 goals and two dimes in a weekend sweep against WashU and Drury.

Ryan Kerr, Florida Atlantic
Notched a hat trick along with four helpers in leading the Owls past Tampa.

Ryan Kazella, UNC-Wilmington
Scored two goals and set up 10 more as the Wilmington wrapped up the ALC South two seed.

Gavin Waddell, Arizona Christian
Buried four goals and dished out four more assists in a big league win over Loyola Marymount.