CollegeLAX MCLA Player of the Week (4/11/08)
Article by Liz Alley
Photos by Victoria Harris
After scoring five goals in a key RMLC victory over then-fourth ranked Colorado State University, Brigham Young University’s Josh Austin, a senior attackman, has been named the CollegeLAX MCLA Player of the Week.
Going into the trip to Colorado, the Cougars were ranked sixth in the MCLA and needed wins against CSU and the University of Colorado to get on top of the RMLC in BYU’s first conference action of the season.
Led by Austin’s five goals and two assists, as well as Justin Hier’s three goals and two assists, the Cougars decidedly beat the Rams 14-6.
“Anytime you can beat CSU it’s a good day,” said BYU head coach Jason Lamb, commenting on their respect for the Rams’ program.
The day before, the Cougars beat CU 14-5. Austin scored two goals in the victory. BYU also defeated NCAA Division III foe Colorado College 11-9 on the trip.
Austin’s strong offensive performance in Colorado brought him up to sixth in the RMLC in total scoring with 3.42 points per game. 
“He’s playing the best that he’s ever played,” said Lamb. “Justin Hier draws the most attention [from opposing teams], so they put their number one defenseman on him,” said Lamb. “But after a few minutes they have to switch their number one to Josh.”
“Whether it’s a number one or a number two [defenseman], he finds a way to be able to beat that guy,” Lamb said of Austin.
Currently ranked fourth in the MCLA, BYU is 8-4 this season. The Cougars will host Lindenwood University on Friday, April 11 for their final home game of the season.
For being named the CollegeLAX Player of the Week, Josh wins a prize pack from CollegeLAX.us. Be sure to check back next Friday to see who wins the next CollegeLAX Player of the Week Award! Please read this thread to nominate a deserving MCLA player for next week’s award.
