(Photo: Bellarmine Athletics/Denver Athletics/Utah Athletics)

The first week of the 2021 NCAA season is officially in the books. And while there were only two games on the docket, there was still some impressive performances that took place. Here’s our three stars from week zero.

First Star

Eric Rubak, LSM/D, Bellarmine

The fifth-year pole put together one of the best performances of his career in Bellarmine’s 9-7 season-opening win on the road against Mercer on Saturday. Rubak was undoubtably the most impactful player on the field for the Knights. He ended the day with a career high two goals and six ground balls. He also had three caused turnovers.

Second Star

Ethan Walkers, Attack, Denver

It took a while for the highly-touted Denver offense to get going in their win over Utah on Saturday. Walker was a huge part of that effort to wake the Pioneers offense up and was their leader on that end of the field. A fifth-year returnee, Walker ended the game with four points (3G/1A). Each of his three goals came at crucial times in the game, getting Denver on the board in the second quarter and giving Denver their first lead of the game with back-to-back goals late in the third.

Third Star

Ashton Wood, Faceoff, Mercer

While the Bears ultimately fell to the Knights on Saturday, it can’t be overlooked just how good Wood was at the faceoff dot. The junior out of the Sunshine State went 18-for-19 with his only loss coming on a violation. In addition to his dominance at the dot, Wood scored the first goal of the game seven seconds in off the initial faceoff and scooped up 11 ground balls.

Honorable Mention

Tyler Bradbury, Attack, Utah – five points (3G/2A) @ Denver

Zack Johns, Goalie, Utah – 16 saves (.640% save percentage) @ Denver

Jack Hannah, Midfield, Denver – three points (2G/1A) vs Utah