UTICA, NY - The Empire 8 announced its athletes of the week, with men's lacrosse goaltender Jake Bowen (Williston, VT/Champlain Valley Union) being named among the recipients. Bowen, the conference's Co-Defensive Player of the Week, has had a strong start to his senior campaign just three games in. He and the rest of the Utica men's lacrosse team will look to carry momentum into a March 18th matchup at Oswego State.

Bowen and the Pioneers continued their early-season slate by hosting Farmingdale State before traveling to Plattsburgh State later in the week. Splitting the week 1-1, Bowen was a critical part of the Pioneers' fight in both contests, falling 8-7 to the Rams before defeating the Cardinals 10-9. In the first game, Bowen turned away 12 of 20 shots before stopping 13 of 22 shots on goal by Plattsburgh State. He made several crucial second-half saves to fend off Cardinal attacks and retain the one-goal lead. The win marked the first of the season for Utica, and the second of Bowen's career. Through the first 180:00 of play, Bowen has played to an 8.67 goals allowed average and a .600 save percentage, both of which would place top-three in a single season if he can maintain similar form over the season.

The Pioneers return to action on Wednesday, March 18th, in a road matchup with the Oswego State Lakers. Opening faceoff is set for 4:00 pm at Oswego's Laker Turf Stadium. Utica next returns to home turf in a March 25th contest with SUNY Morrisville.