CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – University of Hartford freshman lacrosse player Kevin O'Shea grabbed the first America East Rookie of the Week honor of the season after riding a high-scoring performance in the opening game of the Hawks' 2012 campaign. The award for the week ending Feb. 19 was announced by the league office on Monday afternoon.

A native of Dix Hills, N.Y., O'Shea came off of the bench to net a hat trick in his collegiate debut at No. 8 Maryland on Saturday afternoon. The freshman accounted for half of Hartford's goals in its season opener, a 12-6 setback, and helped keep his team in the game as all of his scores came in the second half.

O'Shea scored his first goal as a collegian in the opening minutes of the third quarter to knot the game at 4-4. He then put the Hawks ahead at 5-4 just 3:17 later before the Terrapins went on a four-goal tear to open an 8-5 lead. O'Shea's final goal, which came in the opening minute of the final quarter, proved to be the last of Hartford's offense as the Terps closed out the game with four-straight en route to the six-goal victory.

O'Shea and the Hawks return to action on Saturday afternoon when they host Holy Cross in the home opener. Opening face-off from Alumni Stadium is set for 1:00 p.m. Hartford is 10-17 in home openers and holds a 13-10 all-time record against the Crusaders, including victories in the two teams' last meetings.