Tang, Waterman Named Players of Month

(Photos by Lance Wendt/Ted Krammer)

ATLANTA – After leading their respective teams to undefeated records in the month of February with strong performances, Air Force attackman Mark Tang and Cal Poly attackman Sean Waterman have been named the Lacrosse Specialties Players of the Month in their respective divisions.

Tang picked up right where he left off last year when he had 65 points (45g, 20a) for the top-ranked Falcons as the Morago, Calif., product posted 19 goals and nine assists in a 4-0 February.

In a national semifinal rematch with defending national champion Montana State, Tang struck for seven goals and an assist in the Falcons 16-15 victory.

“Mark has had a phenomenal month for us,” said Air Force coach Robert Koehler. “He is so accurate with his shooting. He has 21 goals on 36 shots, but he is also so unselfish. He has such great vision that he makes everyone around him better.

“Everyone has learned to keep their head up and look for the ball when Mark has it because he will find you if you are open. Mark is very humble and just a pleasure to coach.”

Cal streaked out to a 6-0 February – a No. 3 national ranking – thanks to the play of Waterman. The Newport Beach, Calif., native recorded four hat tricks on his way to 16 goals and 10 assists. In the Mustangs big win over San Diego State, Waterman notched the trick along with three dimes in the 14-12 win.

"Sean's performance this month has been truly spectacular,” said Cal Poly coach Morgan Weireter. “He is the quarterback of our offense and one of the best feeders in the MCLA. His ability to find seams in the defense is a large reason why we have been so successful this season, whether that is finding a cutter, or taking the ball to goal himself."

"Sean never shies away from pressure or contact. He may be one of the smaller players on the field, but he battles harder than anyone. He goes 100 percent on every play and is able to create so many extra opportunities for us on the ride and ground ball game."

"The first part of the season has been pretty special, but we know that there is a lot of season left to go. We have to keep improving every day, and Sean is the type of player who won't let us stay complacent. We have to get better every week going forward, and get ourselves ready for playoffs."

For being named the Player of the Month, both Tang and Waterman will receive a personal plaque compliments of Lacrosse Specialties, the preferred awards provider of the MCLA.

Lacrosse Specialties February Honor Roll

Division I
Brooks Baro, Georgia Tech
Sam Bellomy, Northeastern
Cruise Clay, Grand Canyon
Mike Kuligowski, Colorado
Keaton Mohs, Liberty
Easton Wilkey, Brigham Young
Andrew Zeman, Florida State

Division II
Eric Baines, Arkansas
Kian Gulbrandsen, UC San Diego
Cam Hocker, Miami
Ryan Kerr, Florida Atlantic
Rayce Neill, Northwest Nazarene
Tyler Nichols, UNC-Charlotte
Joe Torborg, St. Thomas