Leveille, Cinosky & Ward named MLL Players of the Week

Jun 10, 2014 - 2:10 PM Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Major League Lacrosse, the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced Week 6's Warrior Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week and the Cascade Rookie of the Week today. This week, Kevin Leveille was awarded honors for his offensive efforts in helping the Rochester Rattlers defeat the Chesapeake Bayhawks in double overtime, and Joe Cinosky was given recognition for helping to keep the New York Lizards in the single digits while his Florida Launch were able to capitalize on attack. Rookie attackman Justin Ward was able to continue his breakout performance with the Charlotte Hounds from Week 5, earning the first year's award now in his second week in the League.

Leveille did more than merely help his team defeat the reigning Steinfeld Trophy champions; he led the Rochester Rattlers to an 8-7 victory over the Bayhawks with a hat trick in a game that went into double overtime-the first ever extra-extra time game in Major League Lacrosse history. That's not the only fashion in which the Thursday game was historical, though. Leveille not only earned a hat trick that evening, he also netted the game winning goal on the man-advantage for his second powerplay goal on the game. In doing so, he was able to earn the number one spot in all-time goals, overtaking predecessor Tim Goettleman now with 271. The two top-shooters are now tied for career game winning goals at 14.

Cinosky and the Florida Launch defense were huge benefactors in the inaugural team's 11-8 victory over the New York Lizards. Once offensively hot, the Lizards were rendered unproductive, completely dominated by Cinosky's defense, which limited attackmen to a total of nine shots on goal, including stars such as Rob Pannell, who was held at four. In keeping the Lizards from accruing points into the double digits, Cinosky was able to free the Launch's offense to score, an opportunity that they eagerly took advantage of.

Since his MLL debut last week, Ward has played in just two games, both of which have been against the Denver Outlaws, who, until most recently had been enjoying a 25-game regular season winning streak. That, however, is now over, thanks to the Charlotte Hounds and their 17-14 victory. Ward's transition into the professional league has gone exceptionally well, particularly given that he has only played against such an elite team. In two games he has netted a goal apiece against the Outlaws and has accrued six assists.

All Players of the Week are back in action this Saturday exclusively on the MLL's YouTube Channel. Catch Kevin Leveille and the Rattlers take on the Machine at 5:30 p.m. ET at Selby Stadium, and then watch rookie Justin Ward and the Hounds try to bust through Joe Cinosky and the Launch at 7:00 p.m. ET.