(Photos: Virginia Athletics/North Carolina 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 one.

First Star

Payton Cormier, Attack, Virginia

With Matt Moore out and Dox Aitken limited, room opened up for various guys to really turn up the heat and show what they’re made of in the Cavailers’ 20-11 victory over Towson. Cormier certainly took on a much greater role than he ever has during the course of his college career in this contest. Starting at attack, the Ontario native ended the day with career high in both points (7) and goals (6). Cormier was simply the most dangerous weapon of the field for the Cavaliers’ Saturday night.

Second Star

Chris Gray, Attack, Virginia

The senior attackman was a huge part of the Tar Heels’ drubbing of Denver on Sunday afternoon. To kick off his second season in Chapel Hill, Gray not only provided a spark on offense but recorded his second-best single-game goal scoring performance as a Tar Heel. Gray ended the game with six goals and one assist for seven points. Three of those six goals came in the first quarter and all but one came in the first half. Gray, in a sense, simply was Carolina’s offense on Sunday.

Third Star

Connor Shellenberger, Attack, Virginia

Talk about having a memorable college debut, the redshirt freshman got the start at attack and proved why he was one of the mist hyped prospects coming out of high school. Shellenberger started the scoring for the Cavaliers with his first goal of his career and didn’t slow down the rest of the night, being one of Virginia’s top offensive weapons. The Charlottesville native four goals and three assists for seven points in the Cavaliers’ dominating win over Towson.

Honorable Mention

Tyler Bradbury, Attack, Utah – four goals @ Bellarmine

Cole Brams, Faceoff, Utah – 15-for-22 (68%) @ Bellarmine

Jack Hannah, Midfield, Denver – five points (4G/1A) @ North Carolina

Ben Savick, Goalie, Robert Morris – 15 saves (.484%) @ Duke