April 20, 2007

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Senior defender Ray Megill is among 17 players on the 2007 Tewaaraton Trophy nominee list announced by the Tewaaraton Award Foundation on April 18. The 17 nominees will be trimmed to five finalists for the award, which will be presented on May 30.

Megill, a preseason first team All-American, is one of the top defenders in the nation. The The 6-foot-1, 200-pound, Clark, N.J., native is among the team leaders in groundballs and caused turnovers and has become a force in transition for the Terps, scoring two goals and adding an assist.

A two-time All-American, Megill had the signature game of his career in Maryland's 8-7 win at Navy in double-overtime on April 6. Against the Midshipmen, Megill picked up a career-best seven groundballs, caused three turnovers, won his first-ever face-off attempt and scored a goal. He was also the lead defender on Navy attackman Nick Mirabito, who had his 40-game scoring streak snapped against the Terps.

Two other Maryland defenders, senior Steve Whittenberg and junior Joe Cinosky, were on the preseason "Watch List" but were not among the 17 to make the semifinalist list.

The Tewaaraton Trophy is awarded each year to the top male and female varsity lacrosse player, as chosen by the selection committee. The seventh annual award will be given at a banquet on Wednesday, May 30.