John Soden was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Week for the second time this season. (Photo by k. colton/SportsPics.net)

April 12, 2004

GENEVA, N.Y.—Hobart first-year midfielder John Soden (Delbarton/Chester, N.J.) was named the Patriot League Men’s Lacrosse Rookie of Week this afternoon by the League office. He helped Hobart to victories over Colgate, 8-4, and Penn State, 8-7 in overtime, this past week.

Soden dominated the faceoff X, winning 10 of the 16 restarts he took against the Raiders in Hobart’s Patriot League tournament berth clinching win over the Raiders. On Saturday, he was even more impressive, winning 13-of-17 faceoffs and collecting a game-high nine ground balls against the Nittany Lions.

Hobart’s top faceoff specialist has taken 92 percent of the Statesmen’s restarts this season, posting a 107-90 record (.543). Soden is second in the Patriot League in faceoffs taken, tied for second in faceoffs won, and fifth in faceoff winning percentage. He also boasts a team-high 45 ground balls.

Soden also was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Week for the week ending March 28, after winning 15-of-19 faceoffs and picking up a game-high eight ground balls in an 18-7 win over Lafayette.

Hobart (6-4) is back in action at 1 p.m. on April 17, when the Ohio State Buckeyes visit Boswell Field. The Statesmen hold a 5-1 series lead, but the two programs have not squared off since 1990.