Rochester Rattlers Tillman Johnson named Cascade MLL Rookie of the Week
August 3, 2004 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Dallas Rattlers News Release
(Rochester, NY)... Rochester Rattlers goalie Tillman Johnson was named the Cascade Rookie of the Week by Major League Lacrosse, following a 27-save effort in a 14-13 overtime loss last Friday night. The game will be broadcast today at 4:00 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Week 10 award marked the third time this season the Rattlers goalie has been recognized by the MLL. He received his first rookie of the week honor in Week 4 after beating Baltimore 14-12 in Towson, Md. The next week, Johnson recorded 31 saves in a 17-11 victory over New Jersey and was named the MLL Defensive Player of the Week. In his first season of professional lacrosse, Johnson has a 4-3 record and leads the MLL with a 12.68 goals-against average and a .643 save percentage. He has also moved into second place on the Rattlers' all-time saves list with 160 and is tied for second for the most wins in franchise history.
In the August 6th Inside Lacrosse Magazine MLL Players' Survey, he was voted the best rookie and finished tied for first in the league's next star category. In the best goalie voting, Johnson finished third behind Greg Cattrano (Philadelphia) and Brian Dougherty (Long Island).
The Rattlers acquired Johnson on June 3rd from the Philadelphia Barrage. The deal also brought midfielder Steve Vallone and a 2005 third-round collegiate draft pick over to the Rattlers in exchange for attackman Ryan Boyle and midfielder Mike Mollot. Johnson was Philadelphia's first-round selection (third overall) in the 2004 MLL Collegiate Draft. Johnson played four seasons for the University of Virginia Cavaliers and was named the 2003 Division I Goalie of the Year and the USILA Player of the Year, as he led his team to the national championship. In 2003, he was also named a First Team All-American.
The Rattlers battle New Jersey Pride on Saturday, August 7th at 4:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on News Talk 950 WROC and SportsJuice.com. Rochester can clinch the National Division title this week with a win at New Jersey and a Baltimore loss at Boston. The playoff berth would be Rochester's second in four seasons.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from August 3, 2004
- Rochester Rattlers Tillman Johnson named Cascade MLL Rookie of the Week - Dallas Rattlers
- Bayhawks Look to Finish Road Schedule Perfect on Thursday Night Against Cannons - Chesapeake Bayhawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
