Men’s lacrosse defenseman Jon Gill was named Player of the Year by the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association (VaSID) on Tuesday with the announcement of the All-State selections. Campbell Armstrong joined Gill on the first team, while Aaron Murphy and Austin Stewart were honored with selections to the second team.
In his final season at Lynchburg, Gill anchored the defense once again. He worked to shut down the top offensive threats for every team the Hornets played. The senior caused 28 turnovers on the year, which led the team, and picked up 50 ground balls. Gill also added his second-career goal in the first game of the season. This year he earned All-ODAC, All-State, and All-American First Team honors, and was the only First Team All-American from the state. Gill also earned nods on the All-ODAC All-Tournament team and in the North/South Senior Game.
Armstrong had a very successful senior season for the Hornets. The left-handed midfielder scored 34 goals and assisted on eight more during the year. He scored the game-winning double-overtime goal in the victory at Hampden-Sydney. For his efforts, Armstrong made the All-ODAC First Team and was an Honorable Mention All-American. He joined Gill at the North/South Senior Game in Baltimore during Memorial Day Weekend. It is his first All-State nod.
Murphy took a major step in his second season. He set school records in assists (40) and points (89), and finished second on the team with 49 goals. Murphy picked up 32 ground balls and caused six turnovers on the year and earned spots on the All-ODAC First Team, the All-ODAC All-Tournament team, and was an Honorable Mention All-American.
Stewart was a third-team All-ODAC and an ODAC All-Tournament Team selection. He scored a team and ODAC-best 57 goals, and assisted on five others. Stewart exploded towards the end of the season, dominating in the ODAC and NCAA tournaments. He fired seven shots in the back of the net during the ODAC championship game, and then scored five in the NCAA tourney win over Sewanee.
