Former Blue Devils Matt Danowski and Ned Crotty took home the top honor in collegiate lacrosse after stellar individual seasons in 2007 and 2010, respectively. Danowski became Duke's first Tewaaraton Award winner in program history, while Crotty gave the Blue Devils their second after helping Duke to the 2010 NCAA Championship.
Danowski, the NCAA's all-time leader in points, turned in one of the finest seasons in Duke lacrosse history in 2007. He amassed 96 points on 44 goals and 52 assists in guiding the Blue Devils to a 17-3 record, the NCAA runner-up spot and an ACC title. The 2007 ACC player of Year, Danowski 's 96 points were both a Duke and ACC single-season record at the time and currently rank second in Duke and ACC history and 21st in the NCAA records book. Danowski scored at least one goal in all 20 games en route to becoming just the fourth player in NCAA history to record 40-plus goals and 50-plus assists in a single season.
Duke lacrosse, behind the play of Crotty, etched its name in the lacrosse record book in 2010 as the NCAA Champion with a 6-5 overtime win over Notre Dame. Crotty, an attackman his final two seasons, turned in a record-setting performance of his own his senior campaign with a Duke record 63 assists and 86 points overall. The 2009 ACC Player of the Year, he was a part of the first attacking trio in Duke history to have all three attackmen net at least 70 points. A starter in all 20 games, Crotty had at least one point in 18 contests and had 17 multiple point outings. He dished out a Duke record-tying eight assists in a win over Sacred Heart and compiled at least four assists in nine games.
Duke, ranked sixth in the preseason coaches poll, welcomes rival Denver to Koskinen Stadium Saturday for the 2013 opener at 12 p.m. The Blue Devils host Jacksonville the following day at 12 p.m. Purchase tickets online now at GoDuke.com.
