UT’s Rooney, Whipple Named USILA Division II All-America

PERRY, N.Y. - The United State Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) announced its 2014 Division II Men's Lacrosse All-America Team on Monday. Tampa's Connor Whipple was named to the second team, while teammate Jake Rooney was named to the third team.

The two Tampa attackmen were also named to the All-SSC First Team on April 22 prior to leading the Spartans to the inaugural SSC Men's Lacrosse Tournament title. The Spartans historic season came to an end on Sunday in the NCAA Semifinal Round against Limestone.

Tampa's Marty Heyn and Florida Southern's DJ Lubs were both named honorable mention on defense. Both Heyn and Lubs were named All-SSC First Team.

A freshman from Tampa, Fla., Whipple led the conference during the regular season with 35 assists (2.33 per game) and 78 points (5.2 per game). He ranked third in the conference with 43 goals (2.87 per game). Whipple recorded at least one goal in every game this season, including 10 games with three or more goals. On March 19, the freshman recorded five goals and six assists in a 21-13 win over Florida Tech. Whipple record four game-winning goals. He was named SSC Player of the Year. The attacker was also named SSC Offensive Player of the Week four times during the first season.

A sophomore from Orlando, Fla., Rooney led the conference during the regular season with 53 goals (3.53 per game), including four game-winners. He ranked third in total points during the regular season with 61 (4.07 per game). Rooney, like his teammate Whipple, scored at least one goal in every game. He scored three or more goals in nine games, including two seven-goal games and one six-goal game. He was named SSC Newcomer of the Year. Rooney was also named SSC Offensive Player of the Week once during the regular season.

For a complete list of the 2014 USILA Division II Men's Lacrosse All-America Team, click here.