May 18, 2006

Fairfield, Conn. - The Fairfield University men's lacrosse team had three players honored with selection to the Division I All-New England Teams, announced Thursday by the New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA). Junior Greg Downing (Auburn, N.Y.) was selected to the All-New England First Team at midfield, his second straight selection. Senior Josh Thornton (St. Charles, Mo.) and Matt Bocklet (Katonah, N.Y.) were both named to the All-New England Second Team, at midfield and long stick midfield, respectively.

Downing, a graduate of Auburn High School, finished the season tops on the team with 26 goals. His 2.36 goals per game are tops in the ECAC, and eighth in the nation, through games of May 14. His 35 points this year, third on the squad, ranks 23rd nationally, at 3.18 points per game. He has moved into fifth-place all-time on the Stags points list, with 114 through his three seasons. Downing was named to the All-New England Team in 2005 as well as earning First Team All-ECAC accolades this spring.

Josh Thornton had 13 goals in his senior season.

Thornton, a graduate of DeSmet Jesuit High School, had a strong season, his last with the Stags. He netted 13 goals, which is fourth on the team, while also dishing out 11 assists. His 24 points was good for fourth on the team. Thornton also led the Stags with three game-winning goals.

Bocklet, a John Jay High School alum, was a key ingredient in the Stags defensive effort. He played in all 13 games on the year, with 10 starts to his credit. Bocklet had a team-best 42 ground balls during the campaign. On the offensive side he had a goal and an assist.

Matt Bocklet led the team with 42 ground balls.

The Stags played their first season as a member of the ECAC Lacrosse League, finishing in fifth place with a 4-3 record, posting a 6-7 mark overall.