RICHMOND, Va. – After anchoring the best defensive effort since 2019 and scoring a goal for Fairfield University Men's Lacrosse on Saturday at Wagner, Braden Lynch has been named the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Defensive Player of the Week. Lynch notched two ground balls and a caused turnover as a part of the 14-7 victory.
 
An All-CAA Second Team pick in 2022 and a Preseason All-CAA selection this season, Lynch started on close defense as Fairfield limited host Wagner to seven goals. The seven goals allowed by Fairfield marked the fewest since an 18-5 win at NJIT during the 2019 season. Lynch's pole goal – his first career point – came during the decisive 6-0 run in which the Stags kept the Seahawks off the board for 21 minutes to extend their lead from 6-5 early in the third quarter to 12-5 midway through the fourth period.
 
Lynch has appeared in 26 games to date in his career, serving as a starter on close defense in each of the last two campaigns. He has totaled 66 ground balls and 26 caused turnovers. Saturday's goal came on the first and only shot attempt of his collegiate career.
 
Lynch is Fairfield's first-ever winner of the new defense-specific award, as separate Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week laurels were instituted this season to replace the traditional "Player of the Week" nod.
 
Up next, the Stags (1-1) make their 2023 debut on Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium for a Wednesday, Feb 22 visit from Sacred Heart. Opening faceoff under the lights is slated for 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at FairfieldStags.com/TIX.