West Essex Grad Named Big East Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

West Essex grad John LoCascio was named the 2014 Big East Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Wednesday for his work on Villanova’s lacrosse squad.

The honor was LoCascio’s second preseason distinction—he was named a Third Team All-America selection at the end of his junior year. He was also a 2013 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, a unanimous selection to the All-Big East First Team and earned a spot on the 2013 Big East Championship All-Tournament Team. 

In three seasons as a Wildcat, LoCascio collected 164 ground balls and caused 87 career turnovers. He currently ranks second all-time at Villanova averaging 1.93 caused turnovers per game, according to the school.