RICHMOND, VA -- Alex Smith, who scored a career-high three goals to lead the No. 18 ranked University of Delaware to a 12-9 league win over Sacred Heart Saturday night, has been named the Colonial Athletic Association Co-Player of the Week for his performance for the period ending April 22.

Smith (at right), a senior midfielder from Timonium, MD (Boy’s Latin High School), enjoyed one of his finest games in a stellar career. Making his final regular season home appearance as part of Senior Night at Rullo Stadium, Smith scored a career-high three goals, dished out an assist, scooped up 14 groundballs, and won 19 of 24 faceoffs as the Blue Hens (8-5) clinched a spot in the upcoming CAA semifinals May 2 at either Towson or Drexel.

Smith shared the award with Towson’s Matt Eckerl, a senior from Baltimore, MD who won 13 of 21 faceoffs and scooped up 13 groundballs as the Tigers downed Drexel 9-8 in a battle for first place in the CAA standings. Hofstra’s Danny Stein was named CAA Rookie of the Week.

A four-year standout and a two-time All-American, Smith had scored just one goal all season entering the game and had scored just 14 in his career before his career game.

He led the NCAA in faceoff winning percentage in both 2005 and 2006 and leads the nation again this year with a winning percentage of 73.9 percent. He also leads the NCAA in groundballs with 9.15 per game. He is the all-time NCAA career leader in faceoffs won and faceoffs attempted.

Delaware will close out the regular season this Saturday when the Blue Hens travel to Robert Morris for a 1 p.m. start. The CAA Tournament will begin next Wednesday, May 2 with Towson and either Hofstra or Drexel hosting semifinal games.