BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Bridgewater State University sophomore linebacker Steven Silvia has been selected as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Football Defensive Player of the Week.

Silvia led a solid defensive effort for the Bears in a 56-20 Homecoming win over UMass Dartmouth. The Dighton, Massachusetts product notched a team-best 12 tackles (ten solo) with two for a loss as well as a forced fumble that led to a score. The Bears’ defense forced six turnovers in the game and held the high-powered Corsair offense to just 20 points.

Through seven games this season, Silvia has recorded 53 tackles (31 solo) including 8 ½ tackles for loss and a pair of sacks to go along with two pass breakups and a forced fumble.

Silvia currently ranks sixth in the MASCAC in tackles and tackles for loss, and seventh in solo tackles.

In 18 games over his first two seasons with the Bears, Silvia has amassed 111 tackles (70 solo) with 16 for loss, three sacks, five pass breakups, three interceptions, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

The BSU football team is currently 4-3 on the season and 4-1 in the MASCAC as the Bears have won each of their last four games. Following a bye week, the Bears will entertain MASCAC foe Plymouth State University on Saturday, October 26th at 2:30 PM.