By Joseph Staszewski
Kieran McArdle added to a historic season for the St. John’s lacrosse programs.
The junior attack took home the Big East’s offensive player of the year award at a ceremony held at Villanova last week, becoming the first player in Red Storm history to do so. McArdle, a Ronkonkoma, L.I., native, was also named to the conference first team along with fellow classmate and Kevin Cernuto.
McArdle was humbled by the accolades.
“It’s a great honor when you look at the players and teams in this conference,” he said after on Big East TV. “For me to get this award, it’s huge. It’s big for our program also.”
McArdle dominated the Big East’s offensive categories.
He led the league in goals and assists with 36 and 49 for 85 total points, 32 more than the next closest player. That not only makes him tops in the conference, but also one of the best offensive players in the country.
“Our junior class, we have been playing together and we have been really clicking this year and it showed,” he said.
McArdle is also a frontrunner for the Tewaaraton Award, given to the best player in collegiate lacrosse. He ranks second in the nation in points per game (6.54) and assists per game (3.77), behind Lyle Thompson, of Albany.
He helped lead the Red Storm to a 9-4 record overall and 3-3 mark in Big East play that left them on the outside looking in on the conference tournament. St. John’s recorded wins of over-ranked opponents Hoftra and Notre Dame and is hoping for an at-large bit to the NCAA tournament.
“It’s been a great experience for all of us as a team,” McArdle said. “It’s going to be sad when we lose our seniors. Still, it’s been a fun year.”
Long stick midfielder Dillon Ayers and goalie Jeff Lowman were second team selections.
