IWLCA Players of the Week – February 27, 2024

The IWLCA has chosen 10 student-athletes for the IWLCA Player of the Week awards for the week ending February 25, 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.

Co-Offensive Player of the Week

Ellie Masera – Stony Brook University

In an outstanding performance, Masera showcased her offensive proficiency by contributing 11 points in Friday's victory over Arizona State, a feat that ties for fifth in a game in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) history. Leading the nation in points per game with an impressive 9.00, Masera also ranks second in goals per game (6.33), 14th in draws per game (7.67), and 15th in assists per game (2.67). In addition, Masera recorded five goals and six points, alongside a game-high seven draw controls in No. 11 Stony Brook’s win over Bryant University last Tuesday.

Co-Offensive Player of the Week

Olivia Adamson – Syracuse University

Adamson tied her season high with six points in No. 4 Syracuse's upset of No. 2 Notre Dame. She had two goals and an assist in the third quarter as the Orange erased a four-goal halftime deficit. After Notre Dame scored to get within two with 6:56 remaining, Adamson tallied her fourth goal of the day to put the game out of reach.

Defensive Player of the Week

Erin O’Grady – University of Michigan

In a standout performance, O'Grady contributed to No. 6 Michigan's fourth win of the season, securing their second victory over a ranked opponent. With nine saves, she achieved her fourth game of the season with eight or more saves, showcasing her consistency and skill in the cage. Holding strong against the opposition, O'Grady only conceded three goals, boasting an impressive 2.76 goals against average. Her stellar performance culminated in a remarkable .750 save percentage for the week, solidifying her as a key defensive asset for the team.

Offensive Player of the Week

Marielle Colalillo – Adelphi University

Colalillo's exceptional performance included a 10-point outing against No. 2 Florida Southern, where she led the No. 6 ranked Panthers in scoring and overall impact. Her five goals tied the most by an individual against the Mocs this season. Adding to her impressive tally, Colalillo also contributed five assists. With an 85.7% shot-on-goal percentage, she exhibited remarkable accuracy in her shots. Beyond her offensive contributions, Colalillo showcased her all-around game by collecting two ground balls and causing one turnover in the statement victory.

Defensive Player of the Week

Megan Millard – Wingate University

Millard dominated at the draw control, piling up 14 draw controls in a 2-0 week for Wingate, including 10 draw controls against Lenoir-Rhyne. She also caused four turnovers for the week to go along with four ground balls, while notching seven goals on the offensive end. 

Co-Offensive Player of the Week

Amy Hoeffner – SUNY Cortland

In a thrilling season-opener against Skidmore, Hoeffner played a pivotal role in guiding No. 23 SUNY Cortland to a come-from-behind 11-10 overtime victory. Hoeffner's exceptional performance saw her record a game-high seven points, including three goals and four assists. She also contributed significantly in other areas of the game, securing four draw controls, two ground balls, and a caused turnover. Notably, Hoeffner's impact was particularly evident in the second half, where she amassed five points and ultimately notched the game-winning goal just 1:27 into overtime.

Co-Offensive Player of the Week

Julia Iapicca – Christopher Newport University

Iapicca notched an impressive 10 goals while leading No. 24 Christopher Newport to victories over two nationally-ranked opponents. Against No. 7 Washington and Lee University, she scored four crucial goals in the second half, helping the Captains withstand a late comeback by the Generals. Three days later, Iapicca matched her career-high with six goals against No. 16 No. 16 Roanoke College, marking the second-highest total by a Captain against a top-20 foe in program history. Notably, three of her goals against Roanoke came in the fourth quarter, aiding in Christopher Newport's comeback from a three-goal deficit to secure the victory. In addition to her offensive contributions, Iapicca recorded four caused turnovers, four ground balls, and four draw controls against Roanoke. With this remarkable performance, she became the first player in program history to achieve at least four takeaways, four ground balls, four draws, and four goals in a single game, highlighting her all-around impact on the field. With an impressive showing this weekend, Christopher Newport has made a notable leap in the rankings, now standing at No. 14 in the latest ILWomen/IWLCA Division III Poll.

Defensive Player of the Week

Abby Lindkvist – University of Mount Union

Lindkvist's impactful performance came in the second half against Washington and Jefferson College, where she made nine crucial saves while allowing just three goals. Her standout moment occurred in overtime, where she made two key saves, including an impressive 8-meter save that directly led to the game-winning goal.

Offensive Player of the Week

Anna Lobbezoo – University of the Cumberlands

In a matchup against No. 4 Keiser University, Lobbezoo showcased her offensive prowess by tallying five goals, two assists, and five draw controls, leading her team to victory. Notably, Lobbezoo's impact was particularly evident in the second quarter, where she netted three goals to help the Patriots extend their lead. She continued to contribute in the fourth quarter, adding another goal and an assist as the Patriots outscored Keiser 8-0, sealing the 21-9 victory.

Defensive Player of the Week

Da’zah Regusters – Indiana Institute of Technology

In a dominant display against Kalamazoo College, Regusters proved to be a defensive force, causing five turnovers and securing seven draw controls. Additionally, she contributed offensively with one goal and two assists. Against Georgetown College, Regusters delivered another great performance, displaying her all-around game for the Warriors. She scored twice, provided one assist, and impressively collected five ground balls, six draw controls, and three caused turnovers.