June 24, 2009

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The Notre Dame men's lacrosse team has been named the 2009 NCAA statistical national champion for scoring defense and winning percentage. Individually, senior goalie Scott Rodgers (Wantagh, N.Y.) was named the statistical national champion for goals-against average and save percentage.

The Fighting Irish posted one of the top seasons in program history by going 15-1. The win total and winning percentage (.938) were program records. Notre Dame compiled its first undefeated regular season (13-0) and captured the Great Western Lacrosse League (GWLL) regular-season and tournament titles. The stout Irish defense limited opponents to a 6.19 goals-against average, which shattered the program standard (6.66 from the 2007 season). Notre Dame did not surrender more than nine goals in a game all season long, while limiting foes to six goals or fewer six times.

Rodgers registered a program-record goals-against average of 6.14 to go along with a .663 save percentage. His 15 victories also established a Fighting Irish record. Rodgers held opponents to six goals or fewer in eight games. The Long Island native was tabbed as the GWLL Player of the Year in addition to being selected as a Tewaaraton Trophy nominee. He also received third-team All-America honors from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA).