March 23, 2009

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Dan Groot was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Lacrosse Player of the Week for the period ending on Sunday, March 22. The senior registered three goals and an assist to lead No. 10 Maryland to a tight 8-7 win over No. 11 North Carolina at a sold-out Ludwig Field Saturday afternoon.

The midfielder from Canandaigua, N.Y., played a part in 50 percent of Maryland's goals in the win over the Tar Heels to improve the Terps to 2-0 in ACC play. Groot took over the game on the offensive end of the field, scoring all three goals unassisted, including the game-winner that capped a 3-0 Maryland run after Carolina took a 7-5 lead.

Groot's three goals came on just four shots, all of which he put on goal. The veteran also played well on the defensive side of the field. With four key defensive players out with injuries, Groot had to play significant defensive minutes and helped hold the Tar Heels to a season-low seven goals.

In addition to three groundballs, Groot also forced one of the Tar Heels' 22 turnovers.

Maryland finishes up its ACC slate next Saturday when it travels to Charlottesville, Va., for a showdown with top-ranked Virginia. The Terps and the Cavaliers are slated for a noon face-off in a game that will be televised nationally into more than 90 million homes on ESPN2.