IWLCA Players of the Week – February 13, 2024

The IWLCA has chosen four student-athletes for the IWLCA Player of the Week awards for the week ending February 11, 2024. This weekly award recognizes the best offensive and defensive performances by players in Division I, II, III, and the NAIA each week during the regular season. Today’s announcement will only include Division I and II, while Division III and NAIA will begin publication next week, Feb. 20.

Offensive Player of the Week

Maddie Epke – James Madison University

In No. 6 James Madison’s thrilling 19-18 overtime victory over No. 3 North Carolina, Epke showcased her exceptional skills, recording her first career hat trick and achieving career-high stats in six different categories. She netted seven goals, accumulated eight points, secured 10 draw controls, scored two free position goals, and fired a total of 11 shots, with 10 on target. Epke's stellar performance was instrumental in JMU’s big win over UNC, marking their first victory over the Tar Heels since their 2018 NCAA Championship Semifinal encounter.

Defensive Player of the Week

Madison Hranicka – University of Delaware 

In Delaware's 11-7 victory against Lehigh, Hranicka demonstrated her defensive prowess by tallying five ground balls and causing three turnovers. Her stellar performance not only contributed to the team's success but also solidified her position tied for third in the history of Delaware's program with 86 career caused turnovers. Hranicka's outstanding efforts also earned her recognition as the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Co-Defender of the Week.

Offensive Player of the Week

Sam Pruitt – Missouri Western State University

Pruitt's outstanding performance against Concordia St. Paul was instrumental in the Griffons' success, as she accounted for six points, scoring four goals and providing two assists. In addition to her offense, Pruitt contributed two draw controls and one ground ball to the matchup. Notably, this marks her seventh game with four or more goals as a Griffon, showcasing her consistent offensive excellence. With this impressive display, Pruitt also reached a milestone of 106 career points.

Defensive Player of the Week

Mackenzie Porter – Missouri Western State University

In MWSU’s 14-11 victory over Concordia St. Paul, Porter showcased exceptional goalie skills as she faced 22 shots and made five crucial saves. Additionally, her defensive prowess extended beyond the goal, as she registered a game-high seven ground balls and contributed three caused turnovers to the matchup. Porter's performance played a vital role in securing the win for the Griffons.

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