March 8, 2006

Washington, D.C. - Former Georgetown All-American lacrosse defenseman and current rookie defender for the National Lacrosse League's Portland LumberJax, Brodie Merrill, was named February's Rookie of the Month. Merrill helped lead the Jax to a 1-1 February record which puts them only a game and a half out of first place in the West Division.

En route to the award, Merrill compiled an impressive stat sheet in his team's two games. In the Jax's first matchup against the Buffalo Bandits, he came through with a solid one goal, two assist, and 10 loose ball performance. The following week, Merrill was named both the N.L.L.'s Week Eight Offensive Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week for his effort in the team's 15-12 victory over the Philadelphia Wings. In that contest, Merrill had two goals and five assists for a game-high seven points, while also leading both teams with a career-high 18 loose balls. Combined with a 17 loose ball effort in the LumberJax's first game of March, Merrill's season total has reached 96, good enough for third in the league.

Merrill has appeared in all of the Jax's games thus far and has been a consistent bright spot for the team in this, the franchise's inaugural year. The LumberJax are currently tied for third in the West Division with a record of 3-3.

Georgetown (1-1) continues its season this Friday at 7 p.m., when they take on their non-conference rival Syracuse (1-1) at the Carrier Dome