June 13, 2005

Cortland, N.Y. - University of Virginia men's lacrosse players Rob Bateman and Jack deVilliers were named Scholar All Americans by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association at the USILA's annual All-American Banquet this past weekend. To qualify, players must have at least a 3.0 GPA and receive All-American recognition or be selected to play in the North-South All-Star game.

Bateman graduated from Penn State last year and used his final year of eligibility this season while pursuing graduate studies in UVa's Curry School of Education. He was a third-team All-American in 2005, the third time in his career he was named an All-American. Bateman scooped up 46 ground balls this spring, third among ACC long stick men, and scored a goal and added nine assists.

deVilliers was a four-year starter as a faceoff specialist and received his undergraduate degree in sociology last month. As a senior this past season, he led the ACC in winning percentage (55.7) and ground balls (6.27/g). He set a school record with 300 faceoff attempts, while his 167 wins are fourth all-time. deVilliers owns virtually every school record for faceoffs including wins (604) and attempts (1128). His 296 career ground balls are fourth in Virginia history. He is currently playing with the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse.