Portland LumberJax defenseman Brodie Merrill was named yesterday as the National Lacrosse League's Overall Player of the Week for Week Fourteen.

Colorado Mammoth defenseman Jay Jalbert and Buffalo Bandits goaltender Steve Dietrich were also honored for their play during the weekend of 31 March to 2 April.

Merrill, who also picked up Rookie of the Week honors, scored five goals, dished out six assists, and scooped up 35 loose balls in two LumberJax victories over the Edmonton Rush.

Friday night in Edmonton, Merrill tallied two goals and four assists in the 15-12 win, then exploded for a hat trick and 26 scoops two days later on home turf.

Jalbert, the Offensive Player of the Week, scored five goals in the Mammoth's 16-11 victory Sunday evening over the Arizona Sting. The diversely-talented Jalbert (Defensive Player of the Week two weeks ago) also scooped up six loose balls.

Dietrich, chosen as the Defensive Player of the Week, backstopped the Bandits to two road victories, 11-9 Friday night in San Jose (44 saves, 9 goals allowed) and 13-10 Saturday at Arizona (40 saves, 10 goals allowed).

This is Merrill's fifth weekly award, but only the first time he was the Overall recipient. Dietrich has been honored nine previous times in his career, and Jalbert once prior to this.