ROCHESTER, NY - Lyla Cushman (Holland Patent, NY/Holland Patent) of the Utica University field hockey team has been awarded Empire 8 Co-Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday.
 
Cushman posted a 1.50 goals against average and a .857 save percentage in goal for the Pioneers as they went 1-1 this week. Cushman opened the week with five saves in the Pioneers 3-1 loss to Empire 8 Conference leader Hartwick, followed by a strong performance on Saturday posting her fourth shutout this season as well as a career high 13 saves in her win over Nazareth. 
 
Cushman and the Pioneers are back in action on the road this week as they take on Russell Sage College on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at UAlbany, and Medaille University on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium.