UVU’s Burbidge Earns Warrior Award
ATLANTA – After leading Utah Valley to the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference (RMLC) Division I championship, Wolverines senior midfielder Preston Burbidge is the MCLA Division I Warrior Lacrosse Player of the Week for the period ending April 30.
The Wolverines opened the RMLC tourney with a contest against Colorado State and the Salt Lake City product came out firing. He finished with three goals and a pair of assists, leading UVU to an 18-9 victory and a date in the conference finals.
Brigham Young was awaiting the Wolverines and it turned out to be a classic. Thanks to five goals and four assists from Burbidge, Utah Valley claimed its first-ever RMLC D-I championship, 14-13.
For the weekend, Burbidge amassed eight goals and six assists.
“Preston has been a five-year captain for us – including the Covid season – and leads by example. He cares more about the team's performance than he does his own," said Utah Valley coach Brian Barnhill.
“As an example, he leads the MCLA in points this season, but his focus has been entirely on team success, taking pride in his team's riding success rather than his own points scored.
“If you ask him about the team, he will naturally steer the conversation to talk about how well his teammates are playing and gives them the credit for UVU's success. All that said, Preston is incredibly competitive and knows that he can outplay, outwork or outsmart just about anyone he goes against.
“He has confidence in his abilities without arrogance. The more competitive or pressure filled the situation, the better because he knows that's where and when he excels.”
For his efforts earning the Warrior Player of the Week, Burbidge will receive a Warrior EVO QX-O – a $100 value – for his efforts. Warrior is a proud sponsor of the MCLA.
Warrior Honor Roll
Jared Cole, Sr. – Virginia Tech
The Ashburn, Va., attackman amassed three goals and five assists, including the double overtime game-winner for the ALC championship.
Riley Isaacs, Soph. – Simon Fraser
The Calgary attackman went ballistic in the Red Leafs run to the PNCLL crown with a combined 11 goals and eight assists.
Justin Rappuhn, Sr. – Michigan State
In the Spartans run to the UMLC title, the Hudsonville, Mich., middie combed for six goals and two assists.
Jack Rosen, Soph. – Boston College
The Wilton, Conn., attackman came up clutch in the Eagles CLC title win over Northeastern, scoring four goals and setting up a fifth.
Jackson Wells, Sr. – Chapman
The Newbury Park, Calif., attackman buried a hat trick in the SLC title game to lead the Panthers to the championship.