Christopher Newport University

2024 - Senior Season - Continued to see time on the defensive unit during his fourth year at CNU ... Hauled in a pair of ground balls at Mary Washington on April 17 ... Also played a role in league triumphs over Kean on April 13 and Stockton on April 20 ... Made his season debut in a win against Berry on February 17 and participated in a victory over Colorado College on April 21 as well ... Helped the Captains advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the fourth straight season.

2023 - Junior Season - Remained a contributor on the defensive unit while seeing time in six games during his third year in Newport News ... Forced a turnover and grabbed two ground balls against Kean on April 29 ... Also had a takeaway in a league victory over Montclair State on March 11 ... Pocketed a pair of ground balls at Mary Washington on April 22 ... Finished the season with six total rollers, including one at Stockton on April 15 ... Made his final appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against Hope on May 12 while helping kickstart a run to the national semifinals for the second time in school history.

2022 - Sophomore Season - Saw action as a reserve on the defensive unit during his second year with the Captains … Caused two turnovers and grabbed a ground ball in a league triumph over Mary Washington on April 23 … Also added a takeaway in his next outing against Colorado College on April 24 … Came back with an appearance in the opening game of the NCAA Tournament against Sewanee on May 14 … Also took part in early-season showdowns with Illinois Wesleyan on March 13 and Whittier on March 27.

2021 - Freshman Season - Took part in a pair of games during his first collegiate campaign … Made his debut in a win over league rival Southern Virginia on March 3 … Also saw action in a conference victory against Mary Washington on April 10.

At Deep Run - Was a decorated member of the lacrosse team during his time with the Wildcats … Earned first-team All-Region and All-Metro accolades for his efforts as a junior … Also was an All-Conference honoree … Named the Team MVP during his junior season and served as a captain during his final two campaigns … Was a Richmond Times-Dispatch Scholar-Athlete finalist as a senior … Competed in football and swimming during his tenure as well.
 
Personal - Matthew Alexander Birken is the son of Andy and Maureen Birken … Has a sister, Molly … His favorite movies are the Rocky series, and Fleetwood Mac is his favorite band … Majoring in marketing.