skip navigation

IWLCA Players of the Week – May 25, 2021

By IWLCA Admin, 05/25/21, 2:30PM EDT

Share

IWLCA Players of the Week – May 25, 2021

 

The IWLCA has chosen six NCAA student-athletes for the IWLCA Player of the Week awards for the week of May 17 – May 23, 2021. This weekly award recognizes the best offensive and defensive performances by players in Division I, II, and III each week during the regular season.

Division I

Offensive Player of the Week

Charlotte North – Boston College

North had a record-setting day last Saturday, scoring eight goals and adding an assist as the Eagles defeated Notre Dame 21-10 in the NCAA Quarterfinals. The senior attacker broke the NCAA Tournament record for goals in a single tournament, totaling 23 in the three games so far, and also tied the single season goals record at BC. North added two ground balls and seven draw controls in the game, which earned Boston College a fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA semifinals, where they will face top-seeded North Carolina at 12:00 pm ET on Friday, May 28.

Defensive Player of the Week

Jill Girardi – Northwestern University

Girardi led a Northwestern defensive unit that held Duke to just two goals in the second half, propelling the Wildcats to a 22-10 win, and a matchup with Syracuse in the NCAA semifinals on Friday at 2:00 pm ET. The senior defender won four draw controls, caused three turnovers, and picked up two ground balls in the win for second seeded Northwestern.


Division II

Offensive Player of the Week

Lexy Biller – Lindenwood University

Biller posted five goals and an assist during Championship weekend, en route to being named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Lindenwood defeated Roberts Wesleyan, 12-9, in the semifinals, and then took down Queens by a 14-12 score to earn the program’s first national championship. Biller added 13 draw controls and three ground balls for the Lions in the two games, and the senior’s final goal of the season proved to be the game-winner. Lindenwood finishes the season with a 17-1 record and the top ranking in the final Division II Coaches Poll.

Defensive Player of the Week

Madi Bednarik – Queens University of Charlotte

Bednarik entered the NCAA championship game with 33:48 to play, and the Royals down by a score of 12-5 to Lindenwood. Although the Queens comeback fell just short, the sophomore goalkeeper’s nine saves, two ground balls, and one caused turnover gave her team a fighting chance. Bednarik led a defense that held Lindenwood to just two goals in the second half, and none in the final 23:10. Queens finished as the Championship Runner-Up, posting a 14-2 record and earning the #2 spot in the final Division II Coaches Poll of the 2021 season.


Division III

Offensive Player of the Week

Julie Talbert – Salisbury University

Talbert was named the NCAA Division III Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after leading Salisbury to a 20-10 win over Denison in the semifinals, and a thrilling 14-13 win over Tufts in the Championship game. The senior attacker notched two goals, three assists, two ground balls, and three caused turnovers in the two games. Salisbury finished the season with a 20-0 record and the number one ranking in the final Division III Coaches Poll of the 2021 season.

Defensive Player of the Week

Carrie Hesen – Salisbury University

Hesen led the Sea Gulls defense this weekend, helping Salisbury to capture the program’s fourth NCAA Championship in 12 years. The senior defender recorded seven draw controls, four ground balls, and three caused turnovers in the wins over Denison (20-10) and Tufts (14-13). Salisbury capped off their perfect season with a 20-0 record and the number one ranking in the final Division III Coaches Poll of the year.