Rock Hill, S.C.----Wingate University sophomore Sam Deardorff has been named the WePlayed Sports South Atlantic Conference men's lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week, league officials announced Monday afternoon. Deardorff earns Player of the Week accolades for the first time in his career.

Deardorff had a big day, leading a suffocating defensive effort as the #10 Bulldogs took down Lander 12-5. Deardorff led the way with three caused turnovers on the afternoon, adding four ground balls on the day. The Bulldogs held the Bearcats to a season-low five goals, which is 10 below their season average.

Deardorff has started all 10 games for the Bulldogs this season, registering 12 caused turnovers while also registering 16 ground balls. He has helped Wingate rank 10th in the nation in caused turnovers and 19th nationally in scoring defense.

The Bulldogs are back in action Wednesday, traveling to Catawba for a 7 p.m. start