IWLCA Players of the Week – February 20, 2024

The IWLCA has chosen nine student-athletes for the IWLCA Player of the Week awards for the week ending February 18, 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.

Offensive Player of the Week

Madeline Pisani – University of Colorado

In a thrilling victory against No. 14 Penn State University, Pisani scored the game-winning goal and notched a total of four goals. She also converted one of her free position opportunities against the Nittany Lions. Pisani continued her impressive form in another matchup against Saint Joseph's, where she netted four goals, including the decisive game-winner with just over three minutes remaining in the contest. Her offensive impact was further emphasized by her high shot volume, tallying nine shots against the Hawks and a total of 15 shots over the weekend. Pisani's performance also earned her a Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week award. Sitting at a perfect 3-0 record for the season, the Buffaloes have joined the latest national rankings, securing the No. 20 position in the latest ILWomen/IWLCA Division I Poll.

Co-Defensive Player of the Week

Erin O’Grady – University of Michigan

In two starts this past week, O'Grady led her team to victory on both occasions, showcasing her proficiency as a goalkeeper. Despite facing formidable opponents, including No. 4 University of Denver, O'Grady demonstrated remarkable skill and composure, conceding just six goals throughout the week. Notably, she delivered a career-best performance against DU, making an impressive 13 saves and limiting their potent offense to only four goals. O'Grady's stellar play has contributed to her impressive 2.66 goals against average this season. Michigan made a significant leap in the latest ILWomen/IWLCA Division I Poll, moving from the 10th position to No. 6 in the national rankings.

Co-Defensive Player of the Week

Keelin Schlageter – University of Notre Dame

In a pivotal matchup against No.1-ranked Northwestern Wildcats, Schlageter showcased her defensive prowess, contributing significantly to her team's victory. She caused four turnovers and scooped up two ground balls, ultimately holding the Wildcats' potent attack to just 20 shots in the game. Schlageter continued her stellar play against Butler, further solidifying her impact with another caused turnover and ground ball. In total, she tallied two goals, three ground balls, and an impressive five caused turnovers throughout the week. Schlageter's leadership and defensive contributions were instrumental in Notre Dame's victory over Northwestern, breaking the Wildcats' 22-game win streak and earning her this week’s recognition. Following the big win over Northwestern, the Fighting Irish have surged in the rankings, making a remarkable six-slot jump in the latest ILWomen/IWLCA Division I Poll and are now No. 2 in the nation.

Offensive Player of the Week

Jackie Stoller – Florida Southern College

Stoller led the No. 2 Moccasins to an undefeated week, securing victories against No. 9 Flagler College (23-16), No. 12 University of Indianapolis (22-14), and University of Alabama Huntsville (20-5). She accumulated a total of 27 points, averaging nine per game, achieved through 18 goals and nine assists. She maintained exceptional accuracy, landing 20 of her 21 shots on target resulting in 18 goals, and successfully converting two out of three free position shots. Notably, her standout performance against Flagler included seven goals, surpassing her previous career-high of six goals achieved last year. Her nine points across all three games mark a new career milestone.

Defensive Player of the Week

Layne Walther – Southern New Hampshire University

Walther collected four ground balls and two caused turnovers in SNHU's 21-2 season-opening victory at St. Thomas Aquinas College on Sunday. The Penmen blanked the Spartans in the first and third quarters, allowing just a single goal in each half. The defense also limited St. Thomas to just 11 shots, including three in the opening half. The Center Moriches, N.Y. native was also selected as the NE10 Defensive Player of the Week for her performance.

Offensive Player of the Week

Grace Osborn – Capital University

In the Comets’ season opener against Oberlin, Osborn led her team to a 23-17 victory by netting nine goals and dishing out two assists, totaling an impressive 11 points. With this game, Osborn surpassed the 300 career points milestone, reaching a total of 306 points. In the other areas of the field, she collected five draw controls, picked up four ground balls, and caused one turnover.

Defensive Player of the Week

Caroline Kranich – Washington and Lee University

Kranich made a career-best 15 saves in the 17-10 upset win over No. 4 Franklin & Marshall College in the season opener. Kranich faced 33 shots with 25 Diplomat attempts on target and held F&M to just a pair of free-position goals. Kranich picked up a pair of groundballs and helped W&L to 15-of-19 successful clears

Offensive Player of the Week

Kaelin Quarles – Culver-Stockton College

In her collegiate debut, freshman midfielder, Kaelin Quarles left an indelible mark, orchestrating a remarkable performance that saw her tally an impressive 10 points. Quarles netted seven goals and dished out three assists in the Wildcats' sole game of the week, a 19-1 victory over the University of St. Mary. She launched a total of 16 shots, with 11 finding the mark on goal. In addition, she secured seven ground balls, claimed six draws, and caused five turnovers. She was also named the Heart of American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

Defensive Player of the Week

Hayley Frew – Keiser University

In a standout performance against St. Thomas, Frew recorded four caused turnovers, along with tying her personal best of five groundballs. Her defensive prowess continued against No. 6 Reinhardt, where she contributed another groundball and caused turnover. Over the two-game span, she registered three goals and one assist. She proved reliable in free-position situations, successfully converting two out of two attempts. Keiser defeated St. Thomas 20-8 but narrowly lost to Reinhardt in an overtime thriller.