The Premier Lacrosse League action in Chicago last weekend marked another dominant week for a multitude of former Virginia Cavaliers.
At the height of the group was, of course, the Hoos’ all-time points leader Connor Shellenberger, who scored seven points during the New York Atlas’ 17-11 win over the Boston Cannons. That total was more than any other player during the entire weekend as the former All-American was named the PLL’s Champion Player of the Week.
Shellenberger is now second in the PLL with
25 points behind Philadelphia Waterdogs’ attackman Michael Sowers (28). Chasing Sowers down will be tough, but Shellenberger’s seven-point onslaught puts him in position to make a push for the MVP award.
Shelly HEADSHOT
— New York Atlas (@PLLAtlas) July 12, 2025
: https://t.co/jvofksOTWq pic.twitter.com/c2KO2bWrdx
The last ‘Hoo to win a professional lacrosse MVP was Zed Williams (‘17) during his dominant run in the PLL’s abbreviated season in 2020. Former attackman Matt Poskay (‘06) and former midfielder Jay Jalbert are the only other Cavaliers to win professional lacrosse MVPs. Jalbert won the MLL MVP in 2003, and Poskay won it in 2010.
If Shellenberger builds off his performance from Friday during the Atlas’ last four games of the season, he could add his name to that list. His teammate, Xander Dickson, also netted a hat trick and assisted Shellenberger during a fast break. Dickson has 13 goals and 19 ground balls this season, which leads all attackmen.
THE SLIM REAPER ⚰️
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) July 12, 2025
Xander Dickson scores his second goal of the game! pic.twitter.com/D00VHA8ch3
The deadly duo weren’t the only former ‘Hoos to make a significant impact in Chicago though. Rookie long-stick midfielder Ben Wayer had a career-high day during the Philadelphia Waterdogs’ 16-11 win over the Utah Archers on Friday. Wayer scored three points, including a two-pointer, which was his second of the season.
His six points this year make him the PLL’s leading scorer amongst long-stick midfielders and defensive midfielders. He also has 15 ground balls and two assists on top of his impressive shooting performance.
Wayer’s season so far certainly puts him in the running for the league’s LSM of the Year award, which was given to rookie Tyler Carpenter last season. Jared Conners is also making a run for the award. The former 2021 Midfielder of the Year at Virginia has four points this season and five caused turnovers. He also notched a two-pointer during the California Redwoods’ 12-10 loss to the Carolina Chaos on Saturday.
goals be wayer, ben is hitting two bombs now
— Philadelphia Waterdogs (@PLLWaterdogs) July 12, 2025
: https://t.co/EozTq9AMb1 pic.twitter.com/H21VfEVRJr
Midfielder Thomas McConvey is also having an excellent bounce-back season for the Waterdogs after only playing two games last year. McConvey has recorded 12 points, which is tied for fifth amongst midfielders in the PLL.
And the cherry on top for the Hoos’ immaculate weekend in professional lacrosse, former All-American Dox Aitken was activated to the Atlas’ active roster to re-join his former teammates Xander Dickson and Connor Shellenberger.
Atlas head coach Mike Pressler told Atlas’ beat reporter Paul Lamonaca that Aitken won’t make his return during New York’s next game against the California Redwoods, but expect the athletic midfielder to suit up sooner rather than later.
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