Freshman Steve Passatempo (Medford, Mass.) earned America East Rookie of the Week and River Hawk of the Week honors, following his three home run and 11 RBI performance at the Mississippi State Tournament from February 26-28.
In the squad's first four games of the season, Passatempo batted .471 (8-17), leading the team in long balls and RBI, in addition to scoring four runs.
The freshman connected on his first career home run, a three-run blast, in his second at bat to give the River Hawks their first lead of the season at 4-1 in the fourth inning of their 11-2 win against Nicholls State. He later singled home a runner to end his debut with four RBI.
In UMass Lowell's night cap at No. 17 Mississippi State, Passatempo brought the River Hawks within one run at 3-2, delivering a two-run homer in the seventh inning. In the tournament finale, he capped a six-run third inning with a grand slam, sending the River Hawks on their way to a 9-6 victory against Nicholls State.
The "River Hawk of the Week" is chosen each week in voting by the UMass Lowell Athletic Communications staff. It honors the top athlete, male or female, based on performance during the previous week of competition.
UMass Lowell finished the weekend at 2-2, and heads down to Delaware for the Bob Hannah Invitational (March 4-6) where the squad will take on the Blue Hens and Delaware State.
