BUENA VISTA, Va. - The Southern Virginia University men's lacrosse team was well represented when the USA South released its all-conference awards for the 2026 season.

Five Knights found a spot on all-conference teams, including Myles Nielson who became the newly minted USA South Rookie of the Year in addition to First Team all-conference honors.

Nielson, an attackman from Utah, continues a promising trend for Southern Virginia, which has now produced four of the last five Rookie of the Year recipients. He led all freshmen in the conference with his 37 goals and 60 points.

He burst onto the scene with six goals during a victory over Marymount in just the second week of the regular season, and notched a season best 10 points against Brevard.

Joining Nielson and making his third-ever appearance on the First Team is Clay Haacke. Haacke has recorded the third thirty-goal season of his career and nearly eclipsed 200 career points this season. The senior captain is hitting his stride at the right time heading into postseason play, scoring 22 goals over his last seven appearances.

Another Southern Virginia rookie who shined in his maiden collegiate campaign is Fierce Miller, who also finds a spot on the First Team all-conference as a defender.

In league play, Miller caused nine turnovers and was a key piece in a stingy Knights defense which has helped Southern Virginia to its best record against USA South opponents since 2023.

Jace Lightfoot, the Knights' starting keeper of the last three seasons gets his first all-conference nod, earning a spot on the Second Team. Lightfoot has endured another workhorse-like year, starting in all 17 games. His goal-against-average is at a career best, nearly two goals lower from 2025, as he's made 155 saves this season.

Joining him on the Second Team is Scott DuPaix as a short-stick defensive mid. In his senior year, DuPaix has once again been a menace defensively. He's caused 19 turnovers and consistently uses his speed and strength to keep opponents on their heels. It's the first all-conference nod of his career.

Representing Southern Virginia on the All-Sportsmanship team is Caden Bloxham. Despite missing a chunk of the season to injury, the senior captain has served the team well. In 10 games played he tallied four caused turnovers as a key defensive leader on a young Knights squad.

Looking Ahead

Head Coach Jason Lamb's squad will be able to rest well over the next week as they await their first opponent in the USA South tournament. By securing a top two seed in the regular season standings, the Knights eanred a bye straight into the semis.

Semifinal matchups will be contested at Pfeiffer on Thursday, April 30th. 

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_mlax on Instagram.