University of Richmond Athletics
Hynes, Pugh Make History With MLL Draft Selections
05/30/2017 | Men's Lacrosse
BOSTON, Mass. – The 2017 season for the University of Richmond men's lacrosse program saw plenty of historic accomplishments.
That list grew longer over the weekend when defensive standouts Brendan Hynes and Benny Pugh became the first Spiders ever drafted in the Major League Lacrosse draft.
“I'm extremely happy for Brendan and Benny and the opportunity they have in front of them,” Head Coach Dan Chemotti said. “They are outstanding ambassadors of this program, both on and off the field. Their hard work and dedication paid off in a big way and we're excited to watch them play at the next level.”
Hynes was taken in the third round (27th overall) by the Charlotte Hounds, while Pugh was the first pick in the fifth round (37th overall) by the Florida Launch.
Pugh led the country all season long in goals against average (6.10) and save percentage (.661). He played a career-high 924:40 in goal, limiting his opponents to just 94 goals and racking up a program record of 183 saves, which ranked in the top-15 nationally.
The Powhatan, Va. native finished with 568 career saves, only the third active player to reach 500 career saves.
Hynes led the country in caused turnovers with 50, while ranking in the top-40 in the country in ground balls (74). His caused turnovers set a new program record and he was the only player in the country with four or more games of 5+ caused turnovers.
The Mahopac, N.Y. native finished just five caused turnovers short of the NCAA career record and is one of only two players ever to reach 150 career CTs.
