May 25, 2012
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Four University of Notre Dame men’s lacrosse players have earned All-America honors from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA). Junior goalie John Kemp and senior defenseman Kevin Randall were first-team selections, while junior defenseman Matt Miller and sophomore midfielder Jim Marlatt copped honorable mention accolades.
Kemp (Potomac, Md./Georgetown Prep) boasts a 13-2 record between the pipes this season and ranks first nationally in both goals-against average (6.22) and save percentage (.636). He was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year earlier this month in addition to earning first-team all-league honors. Kemp, a 2012 Tewaaraton Award nominee, received honorable mention All-America honors last season.
The first-team All-America citation earned Kemp the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top goalie. He joins his older brother Joey, the 2008 recipient, as the only other Notre Dame player to cop the award. They are the only brother duo to receive the award, which has been presented since 1949.
Randall (Penfield, N.Y./Penfield) continues to garner accolades for his outstanding defensive play. The Fighting Irish captain was selected as the 2012 BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year in addition to being Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award finalist. He has been a force in the Irish defensive unit that ranks first nationally by allowing just 6.27 goals per game. The Irish also boast the nation’s top man-down defense (.882). This is the first All-America honor for Randall.
Marlatt (Clarksville, Md./River Hill) missed all of last season due to injury, but has produced a big first season in an Irish uniform. He has a team-high 30 points on 18 goals and a team-best 12 assists. Marlatt, an all-BIG EAST first-team selection, has notched three or more points in a game seven times this season, including a three-goal, two-assist performance against Yale in the first round of the NCAA Championship.
Miller (Warrenton, Va./Notre Dame Academy) is another key cog in Notre Dame’s close defensive unit. He has started all 15 games and has helped the Fighting Irish limit foes to seven goals or fewer 11 times this season. Miller also has picked up 27 ground balls on the campaign. This is the first All-America citation for Miller, who was named second team all-BIG EAST earlier this month.
No. 4 seed Notre Dame (13-2) will face top-seeded Loyola (16-1) on Saturday in the semifinals of the NCAA Championship. Face-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (ET) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. The game will be aired on ESPN2/ESPN3.
–ND–