NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. –
Lincoln Cizek of men's golf and
Michelle Messenger of women's lacrosse have been named the Strategic Financial Solutions Student-Athletes of the Week.
Lincoln Cizek | Sophomore | Men's Golf
Cizek led the Purple Eagles in multiple events during his sophomore season. At the Pinehurst Intercollegiate, the only event of the spring season the Purple Eagles were able to complete, Cizek led the way for NU, finishing tied for 21
st place after carding a total score of 299 (+16).
During the fall season, he led the team at Bucknell Invitational, finishing tied for 16
th place and finished the tournament just five strokes over par. At the Turning Stone Tiger Intercollegiate, Cizek finished highest for the Purple Eagles; he tied for 58
th place after shooting 236 (+20).
Cizek is currently working towards a degree in biology.
Michelle Messenger | Sophomore | Women's Lacrosse
Messenger was in the midst of a breakout season for the Niagara women's lacrosse team. The sophomore 's abbreviated sophomore season ended with her leading the nation in save percentage (.577) through 283 minutes played over seven games.
The native of Pittsford, New York, only had one appearance with a sub-.400 save percentage. She also posted a record of 2-1 in her seven appearances, with the lone loss coming at ACC opponent Louisville despite making a season-high 20 saves on the day.
Messenger's best day statistically came in Niagara's home opener against Merrimack on February 21. The sophomore came off the bench to stop 12 of 16 shots on goal. With Messenger between the pipes, the Purple Eagles were able to shake off a slow start and hold the Warriors at bay in a 10-8 win.
On March 2, Messenger was named the MAAC Women's Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in her career. The honor came following a jaw-dropping, 18-save performance over Saint Francis (PA) the day before. Messenger only allowed eight goals in the victory, boosting her save percentage 170 points to a .628.
Following the 2020 season, Messenger now has a career save percentage of .502, third-best in program history. And after averaging 10.71 saves per game in 2020, Messenger climbed into Niagara's all-time top-10 lists for saves (9th – 136) and wins (t-8th – 3).
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