Thul, Zink & Lawson grab week 12 honors in MLL

Jul 30, 2013 - 2:20 PM Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Major League Lacrosse, the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced the weekly award winners for Week 12 of the 2013 season, which concluded on July 28. The winners are chosen every week by the League, and are based on outstanding in-game achievements. Hamilton's rookie Garrett Thul earned this week's Warrior Offensive Player of the Week, while Denver's Lee Zink won Warrior Defensive Player of the Week. Cascade Rookie of the Week went to Rochester's Dave Lawson.

Thul fueled the Hamilton Nationals to a 17-12 victory over the Boston Cannons, earning the team a playoff position in this month's Championship Weekend, presented by Smartlink. The Rookie out of West Point picked up Player of the Game accolades after a six-point, five goal performance. The lefty attackman is a strong catch-and-shoot player, firing in four of his goals off passes, including a highlight reel, airborne catch and behind-the-back finish. Thul is a strong and physical player, capable of muscling up his defender and firing in the two-pointer. In only four games this season he has 11 points, coming off nine goals, and two two-point goals. Thul and the Hamilton Nationals travel to Charlotte to play the Hounds Saturday, August 3, at 7 p.m. (ET). Check local listings, and ESPN3.com for live coverage.

Zink helped anchor the Denver Outlaws in their 14-12 win over the Chesapeake Bayhawks. Denver moved to 12-0 on the season, and clinched the top seed at Championship Weekend. One of the best shut-down defenders in the League, Zink held his focus on Chesapeake attackman John Grant Jr., limiting the experienced veteran to a single assist. The 2012 Defensive Player of the Year has led the back end of this undefeated Outlaws team, which leads the League in least amount of goals-against, and shots-against this season. Denver looks to continue their success in New York on Sunday, August 4, as they take on the Lizards. CBS Sports Network broadcasts the game live at 5 p.m. (ET).

Lawson led the Rochester Rattlers to a 13-12 win against the New York Lizards, keeping the Rattlers alive in the race for a playoff spot. The rookie out of Duke University scored a career-high five goals in the victory, shooting an impressive .625 percent. Goals came from deep, underhand, on crease-wraps, and post-ups, showing Lawson's versatility and earning himself Player of the Game for the performance. Rookie play has been critical in Rochester's offensive end, as Lawson and teammate John Ranagan have collaborated for 40 percent of goals scored in the past six games. Rochester will next play the Chesapeake Bayhawks on Saturday, August 3, at 7 p.m. (ET). Check local listings, and ESPN3.com for live coverage.