Bellarmine's Ward receives multiple honors during summer play

LOUISVILLE, Ky.-Bellarmine University lacrosse player Dillon Ward has had a busy summer. While most college students spent the summer reconnecting with friends, Ward, a sophomore goalkeeper, was playing for the Orangeville Northmen of the Ontario Junior A Lacrosse League (OLA). The OLA is one of the top lacrosse leagues for juniors (players aged 17-21) in Canada.

Ward was named the Goalie of the Year and Player of the Year by National Lacrosse League Insider.com. Ward helped lead the Northmen who finished with a 21-1 record and a league championship. Even with a roster with talented players at every position, he was the MVP. Ward finished the season with a 15-1 record that included 499 saves, a 5.72 goals against average, and a .847 save percentage.

Writer Paul Tutka of NLLInsider.com praised Ward’s play this summer. “Few players anywhere in Canada were as consistent and in the spotlight as much as Ward," Tutka wrote. "(Ward was) responsible for more W’s in 2010 than any other player in the country. The Northmen’s backstop is maybe the most athletic and agile keeper at the Junior level today,” Tutka added.  In addition to be named POTY and GOTY Ward was also named to the All-Canadian 1st Team.

Ward returns for Bellarmine this spring and hopes to carry the success into the upcoming season. The Knights finished the season 9-6 last year and a fifth place finish in the Eastern College Athletic Conference