Cambridge, Mass.--UMBC junior attackman Ryan Smith (Fallston, Md./Fallston/CCBC-Essex) has been named America East Conference men’s lacrosse player of the week for games ending March 29, 2008. Smith is UMBC’s fourth award-winner in the last five weeks.

The UMBC newcomer led the Retrievers with five points (three goals, two assists) in the 14-12 conference-opening win over Stony Brook. He extended a tenuous one-goal lead in the third quarter to three (12-9) with back-to-back scores Smith leads the team with 16 goals and has six goals and five helpers in his last two outings.

The 12^th-ranked Retrievers take on local rival Towson at Unitas Stadium on Tuesday, April 1. The opening face-off is set for 7:30 and the game will be broadcast live on WVIE, 1370 AM or www.v1370.com. The Retrievers have met the Tigers more times (38) than any other foe with Towson holding a 26-12 series edge. UMBC recorded a key win over Towson last season, an 11-9 triumph at UMBC Stadium. The Retrievers have won four straight, five of last six and scored a season-best 14 goals in the 14-12 win vs. Stony Brook.  

Junior goalkeeper Jeremy Blevins (March 3) and midfielders Terry Kimener (March 10) and Maxx Davis (March 17) were previous winners.