Feb. 27, 2013

AMHERST, Mass. - UMass women's lacrosse goalie Rachel Vallarelli was named the Atlantic 10 Women's Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week as announced by the league on Tuesday evening. The sophomore made six saves and allowed just eight goals in the Minutewomen's 18-9 win at New Hampshire last Saturday. No. 14 UMass will return to action on Wednesday afternoon at Boston University (3 PM).

In the first half against the Wildcats, Vallarelli gave up just four goals while making five saves. In 24 minutes of work in the second half, she allowed four more goals with one save.

For the season, she is 3-1 in net with a 10.88 goals-against-average and a .422 save percentage. Her 27 saves on the year ranks 14th nationally.

A native of Hartsdale, N.Y., Vallarelli was a standout at the School of the Holy Child where she was a member of the United States Women's Under-19 Training Team and a 2011 Reebok High School Player of the Year Nominee.

This marks the second week UMass has been honored with a weekly award from the Atlantic 10. Last week, Katie Ferris was named the leagues offensive player of the week, while Kelsey McGovern was named the defensive player of the week.