PITMAN, N.J. -- For the second straight week, Mason Bellinger was named the Coastal Lacrosse Conference Defensive Player of the Week after orchestrating another historic showcase for the Christopher Newport men's lacrosse team over the weekend.

The weekly award was the fourth of the year for Bellinger, who was also celebrated by the league on February 9, February 23, and March 23. With his latest honor, he became the first Captain in program history to receive four weekly awards in a single campaign. Previously, Zac Hanway (2024) and Warner Cabaniss (2025) earned three defensive citations, while Dylan Rice (2022) picked up three offensive accolades.

In addition to his conference honors, Bellinger was also recognized as the USA Lacrosse National Player of the Week last Tuesday.

Bellinger's most recent award came after he suffocated Stockton during a 12-3 victory on Saturday at Jennings Family Stadium. Against the Ospreys, the Paramus, New Jersey native pocketed 20 saves, which equaled his career-high. That total also matched the third-most by a Captain in program history.

Incredibly, entering the 2026 campaign, there had only been two 20-save efforts in the entire history of CNU lacrosse. Then, during a seven-day stretch, Bellinger hit the mark twice after he also snatched 20 during a win against No. 14 Amherst on March 21.

During Saturday's outing, Bellinger dominated the competition. The senior All-American stopped each of Stockton's first six shots as the Captains rolled out to a fast 4-0 lead. Then, after the Ospreys finally found an opening, he made eight straight saves as CNU carried a 9-1 advantage into the second half.

After that point, Bellinger cruised to the victory. Eventually, he added six more saves, including three early in the fourth quarter, before exiting in the 49th minute. He eventually left the contest with a 12-2 lead and a remarkable .909 save percentage. Additionally, he gobbled up three ground balls for good measure.

So far this season, Bellinger ranks second in the NCAA with 168 saves. Meanwhile, his 12.92 saves-per-game average and .592 save percentage are currently the highest in program history.

A first-team All-Conference, All-State, and All-Region selection last year, Bellinger also earned All-American nods from both USILA and USA Lacrosse Magazine. Additionally, at the start of the 2026 campaign, he was recognized as the Inside Lacrosse and USA Lacrosse Magazine National Preseason Goalie of the Year.

Bellinger and the rest of the Captains will return to action on Wednesday at 4 p.m. when CNU continues Coastal Lacrosse Conference play at Mary Washington.

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