BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University freshman defender Owen Russell has been selected as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Men's Soccer Co-Rookie of the Week.  Russell shares the weekly honor along with Fitchburg State sophomore forward Simon Vikoler.

Russell helped anchor an outstanding BSU defensive effort in a 1-0 shutout win over MASCAC rival Westfield State last week.  The Marshfield, Massachusetts product played all 90 minutes on the Bears' backline which limited the Owls to just two corner kicks and five shots on goal.

Through seven games this season, the Bears have recorded three shutouts and currently sport a team 1.43 goals against average.  Russell has appeared in all seven games on defense and made two starts.

The BSU men's soccer team is 3-4 on the year with a 1-1 mark in MASCAC play. The Bears entertain non-conference foe UMass Boston on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30.