UTICA, NY - The Empire 8 has announced its Players of the Week, with Utica men's lacrosse senior goalie Jake Bowen (Williston, VT/Champlain Valley Union) being named among honorees. Bowen took home his second Co-Defensive Player of the Week recognition by backstopping the Pioneers to two conference victories. He shares the honors with Tyler Manning, a senior netminder from St. John Fisher. The orange and blue will look to carry the momentum of their recent success into two home conference matchups this week, against Russell Sage College and Alfred University.

Bowen and the Pioneers faced SUNY Poly and SUNY Brockport in their E8 games last week, taking wins by scores of 17-10 and 12-8. Bowen has continued his tenure in net, playing between the pipes in both wins. In a road matchup with the Wildcats, Bowen saved 13 of 23 shots before backstopping Utica with 11 saves on 19 shots at home against the Golden Eagles. His .571 save percentage through the last 120:00 improves him to an even .500 in 2026.

Utica returns to action on Wednesday, April 15th, when they host the Russell Sage Gators in a 4:00 pm scheduled contest at Gaetano Stadium. On Saturday, the 18th, Alfred University will come to Gaetano to challenge the Pioneers on their Senior Day and final home game of the 2026 regular season.