ROCK HILL, S.C. – Cael Petroff of the Catawba College men's lacrosse team earned his first South Atlantic Conference weekly award Monday, collecting Specialist of the Week honors following his impressive performance at Virginia State.

The Waxhaw, N.C. native imposed his will on the faceoff dot against the Trojans on Friday, going 17-for-18 with 12 ground ball pickups to set career highs in both categories. Petroff added his name into Catawba history by matching the freshman faceoff wins in a game record set by John Godfrey in 2001. 

Petroff leads the conference with 169 faceoff victories in 14 contests and slots fourth at 77 ground balls. While extending his freshman faceoffs record to a 55-win lead, Petroff broke the top rookie mark in last week's triumph.

Petroff is Catawba's third conference weekly award winner this season as he joins Defensive Player of the Week honorees Owen Conway (Feb. 10) and Jack Butler (Feb. 17).

The Catawba Indians wrap up their regular season at Lenoir-Rhyne on Wednesday, Apr. 23 at 4 p.m.