Liam Byrnes’ big week continued Tuesday as he was named the BIG EAST Co-Defensive Player of the Year three days after becoming Marquette’s first-ever Major League Lacrosse draft pick. The long-stick midfielder shares the honor with Denver junior Christian Burgdorf.
Byrnes was one of four Marquette players chosen to the All-BIG EAST team. Joining him is attackman Conor Gately, midfielder Kyle Whitlow and defenseman B.J. Grill.
Marquette was picked to finish third in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches’ Poll, behind defending national champion Denver and Georgetown. Villanova, Providence and St. John’s were picked to finish fourth through sixth, respectively.