LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Grabbing his second award of the week, Christopher Newport senior goalie Mason Bellinger was selected to the USILA National Team of the Week, which was announced by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association on Wednesday morning.

The national honor came just two days after he was recognized as the Coastal Lacrosse Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.

Wednesday's selection was the first time Bellinger earned a spot on the USILA National Team of the Week. However, the fourth-year phenom was previously named the USA Lacrosse National Player of the Week on March 31.

Bellinger earned his latest award following another historic outing over the weekend. In his lone appearance last week, the Paramus, New Jersey native hauled in 20 saves during a 12-3 victory over Stockton in the league opener at Jennings Family Stadium on Saturday. His 20 stops matched his career-high and equaled the third-most by a Captain in program history.

Incredible throughout Saturday's contest, Bellinger was especially effective as CNU built an insurmountable lead early in the battle. He stopped 14 of Stockton's first 15 on-target shots of the game, including six straight during a pristine first quarter. Eventually, his performance helped the Captains carry a 9-1 lead into the 35th minute.

After the Ospreys found another opening in the third stanza, Bellinger pocketed the final six shots that he saw before exiting with a double-digit advantage early in the fourth quarter.

Eventually, the reigning All-American wrapped up the contest with a remarkable .909 save percentage to go along with three ground balls. With his performance, he became the first goalie in program history to eclipse 20 saves while playing fewer than 50 minutes.

Overall this season, Bellinger ranks second in the NCAA with 168 saves, while his .592 save percentage is currently the highest in program history. Already a four-time CLC Defensive Player of the Week honoree this season, he kicked off his senior campaign 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 later today when CNU travels to Mary Washington for a 4 p.m. tilt at the Battleground Turf Field.

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