Byrne Named MLL Rookie of the Year
Kelly McCarthy
FRISCO, Texas (August 18, 2017) - It's been a fantastic 2017 for Josh Byrne. The Hofstra alumnus was named the 2017 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Rookie of the Year on Friday night.
Byrne had a phenomenal debut for the Chesapeake Bayhawks. Byrne struck for 39 goals, the most-ever by a rookie since Kiernan McArdle’s 37 for the Florida Launch in 2014. McArdle did it in 12 games, Byrne needed just nine.
Byrne’s historic feat came in the final game of the season on August 3 against the Denver Outlaws. Byrne potted seven goals on the night to help power the Bayhawks to the 23-19 comeback victory. Byrne currently remains atop the MLL leaderboard with 39 goals and tied for tenth with 46 points but Chesapeake will miss the postseason.
Byrne was taken 19th overall by Chesapeake in the MLL Draft after a stellar senior season with Hofstra. Byrne, the 2017 CAA Player of the Year, picked up USILA All-America Third Team and Inside Lacrosse Media All-America honorable mention accolades after tallying 41 goals, 24 assists and 66 points in 14 games. His 66 points are sixth-most in CAA single season history while his 4.71 points per game tied him for second, behind only former UMass great and current MLL opponent, Will Manny (4.75/g).