PRINCETON, W.Va. – West Liberty University defensive back Marco Ricchetti has been named Defensive Player of the Week in the West Virginia Conference after helping lead the Hilltoppers to a 14-13 non-conference victory at Virginia State on Saturday.
Ricchetti, a 6-3, 200-pound junior weak safety from Martins Ferry, Ohio, led a staunch West Liberty defensive effort with 11 tackles and 4 tackles-for-loss – both game-highs – as WLU handed the Trojans their first home loss in two years.
The former Purple Rider standout also came up with a clutch interception in the end zone to thwart a potential Virginia State scoring drive and added another pass break-up to a well-stuffed stat line.
Glenville State quarterback Darold Knowles was honored as the WVIAC Offensive Player of the Week while Charleston kicker Puma Nuredini and Fairmont State kick returner Matt Wilmer shared WVIAC Special Teams Player of the Week laurels.
West Liberty kicks off league play on Saturday when the Hilltoppers welcome West Virginia Wesleyan to Russek Field for a 1 p.m. kickoff. Members of the 2012 West Liberty Hall of Fame will be introduced to the crowd at halftime.
