Northborough, MA – A day after being named the Mid-South Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season, Patriots attacker Bella Ricchiazzi earned national recognition for her performance on the week.  The junior was named the NAIA IWLCA National Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.

The Framingham, MA native opened the week with a season-high eight goals and 11 points in the win over Thomas More.  Ricchiazzi recorded two goals and a pair of assists to open the game and give Cumberlands an early 4-0 lead.  Her assist at the 11:11 mark of the opening quarter was Ricchiazzi 376^th career point, making her UC's program leader.  The junior closed out the game by tying her career-high with eight goals.



Ricchiazzi followed that up with another strong performance as the Patriots knocked off tenth-ranked Georgetown 18-4.   She netted seven goals and a team high nine points in the win.  Ricchiazzi netted the first goal of the contest and is credited with the game-winning goal.  The junior added three straight goals to open the second quarter as Cumberlands extended their lead to 10-1.  Ricchiazzi added three caused turnovers and four ground balls in the win.

On the year, Ricchiazzi leads the team with 81 goals, 52 assists, and 133 points.  She is second on the team with 38 ground balls, while her 26 caused turnovers are third most.  Cumberlands is 16-1 on the year and captured the MSC North Division title. 

The Patriots return to the field Thursday, April 21, for the quarterfinals of the MSC Tournament.  UC will host Webber at 11 a.m. at the UC Lacrosse Complex with live video available here.

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