WESTFIELD, Mass.  –  Westfield State linebacker Zach Howard (David Prouty/Spencer, Mass.) was named the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference defensive player of the week for the week ending September 23.

Howard recorded eight tackles, including 1.5 for losses, and returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown in the Owls 42-22 win at Worcester State on Saturday.

Howard helped the Owls improve to 2-2 on the season and 1-1 in the conference with the win.

For the season, Howard leads the Owls with 29 tackles, and 5.5 tackles for losses.

Westfield State will host Bridgewater State on Saturday, September 29 at 2:00 p.m.