Sotis, Wharton USL Players of Month

ATLANTA – After guiding their respective teams to undefeated runs this month against quality competition, St. Thomas senior Andrew Sotis and Colorado junior Ben Wharton have been named the US Lacrosse MCLA Players of the Month for March.

The Tommies rattled off a 7-0 March with six of the seven wins coming against current Top 10 programs thanks to the midfield play of Sotis. The Madison, Wis., native amassed 14 goals and five assists in those contests.

In a showdown with No. 2 Concordia-Irvine on March 7, Sotis scored four goals and dished out an assist in St. Thomas’ 16-12 victory.

“When we set our 2017 schedule, we knew that the month of March, with five games versus top-15 teams, was going to be a tough test for our team, and that we would need strong leadership,” said St. Thomas coach Brian Gross. “Andrew came through exactly how you would hope a senior captain would.

“His contributions on the field are impossible to ignore, but his leadership off the field has been invaluable. Whether it's extra conditioning sessions or extra shooting, he's always leading something outside our regular practice times that will make us a better team.”

After a relatively slow (1-2) start to the season in February, Colorado posted a 9-0 month – with six of the wins coming against Top 25 squads – due to the playmaking ability of Wharton. The Steamboat Springs, Colo., product scored 24 goals and dished out 10 assists in March.

In the win against previously No. 1 Georgia Tech on March 31, Wharton led the Buffs attack with three goals and two dimes in the 18-13 triumph.

“Ben has been working well with his teammates, and playing a complete team game,” said Colorado coach John Galvin. “All our players have been benefactors of good team performances.”

For their efforts, both Sotis and Wharton will receive a one-year membership to US Lacrosse, the national governing body of the sport. Membership includes on-the-field insurance coverage, discounted tickets and apparel along with a subscription to US Lacrosse Magazine.

US Lacrosse Honor Roll

Division I
Caleb Britton, Fr., Attack – Liberty
Dylan Garner, Jr., Attack – Chapman
Tim Peterson, Soph., Attack – Georgia Tech
Bert Schmickel, Sr., Goalie – California
Tyler Yamamoto, Sr., Midfield – Sonoma State

Division II
Ryan Brouwer, Sr., Attack – New Haven
Dillon Green, Sr., Attack – College of Idaho
Matt Hennis, Sr., Defense – Sierra Nevada
Austin Matula, Fr., Goalie – Cal State San Marcos
Adam Zimmerman, Jr., Attack – Northern Arizona