EDISON, N.J. (2/12/2018) -- When you threaten to upset the number six team in the country on the road, you are going to be recognized and that was the case for the Titans as the University of Detroit Mercy men's lacrosse had a pair of players earn Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week. 

Senior Charlie Hayes was tabbed the Defensive Player of the Week, while junior Matthew Vangalen earned Offensive Player of the Week. It is the first MAAC weekly accolade for both student-athletes although they were selected to the All-MAAC Second Team a year ago. 

From his short stick defensive midfielder position, Hayes helped lead a Titan defense that saw the nationally-ranked Fighting Irish commit 21 turnovers. He finished with a caused turnover, three ground balls and even scored a goal, picking up a GB and beating the Notre Dame team in transition down the field.

Vangalen picked up right where he left off last season in leading the Titan offense as he finished with a team-high five points on two goals and three assists. In the second period alone, he set up Lucas Ducharme's man-up goal, tied the game at 3-3 stealing a Notre Dame pass and beating the goalie from 30 yards out, and assisted on Seth Mendell's goal to square the game at 4-4 going into the half. He then gave the Titans a 6-4 lead halfway through the third period when he found the back of the net for the second time.

The Titans will be back at practice this week as they prepare for a busy seven days of lacrosse playing at Mercer on Sunday, Feb. 18, and at Jacksonville on Tuesday, Feb. 20, before returning home to host nationally-ranked Marquette on Feb. 24.