IWLCA Players of the Week – April 9, 2024

The IWLCA has chosen nine student-athletes for the IWLCA Player of the Week awards for the week ending April 7, 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

Madison Taylor – Northwestern University

In a notable victory over No. 2 University of Maryland, Taylor showcased her scoring efficiency by tallying six goals and adding one assist. Her contributions were pivotal in Northwestern's win, particularly highlighted by her explosive performance in the third quarter, where she scored three goals. The Wildcats’ eight-goal victory at Maryland marks the Terrapins' largest margin of defeat at home since at least 1985. Northwestern remains at the top of the national rankings and claimed 16 first-place votes in the latest ILWomen/IWLCA Division I Coaches Poll.

Co-Offensive Player of the Week

Maddie Epke – James Madison University

In an impressive feat, Epke broke the JMU single-game draw control record, previously set by herself, by collecting an astounding 19 draw controls in the Dukes’ 18-12 victory over Richmond. This achievement comes after she had already set the record with 14 draw controls earlier in the season against Cincinnati on March 23. Notably, the 19 draw controls also ties the American Athletic Conference single-game record, set earlier this season by Liz Harrison of Florida. In addition to her draw controls, Epke also had a game-high five points (four goals, one assist) against Richmond. She also had a game-high five goals with 11 draw controls in a key win against Temple, handing the Owls their first conference loss this season. Epke's exceptional performance has propelled her into a tied-first position in single-season draw controls in JMU history, with a total of 127. This is Epke’s second National IWLCA accolade this season.

Defensive Player of the Week

Avery Hines – Stony Brook University

Hines achieved a career-high of six caused turnovers, just one shy of the program record, in No. 15 Stony Brook’s 17-4 victory over Delaware. Her exceptional defensive efforts contributed significantly to Stony Brook's success, as they currently sit as the No. 4 scoring defense in the nation, allowing just 7.83 goals per game.

Offensive Player of the Week

Hannah Stanislawczyk – West Chester University

Stanislawczyk showed her versatility by scoring eight goals and assisting on seven others in leading No. 2 West Chester to a 16-7 win over No. 15 Kutztown University and a 20-5 win over Shepherd University. She also collected 12 draw controls while breaking WCU's all-time record for career draws on Saturday. The midfielder also filled out the stat sheet with six ground balls and three caused turnovers. 

Defensive Player of the Week

Lauren Foley – Bloomsburg University

Foley's consistency in goalkeeping was evident as she achieved her seventh double-digit save game and extended her streak to four consecutive such performances. Guiding the Huskies to a 9-7 win over No. 5 East Stroudsburg University, Foley reached a significant milestone, accumulating 400 career saves and counting. She saw 22 total shots and saved 15 to secure the win. This week, Bloomsburg secured the No. 23 spot in the ILWomen/IWLCA Top 25 rankings following their recent achievements.

Offensive Player of the Week

Laura Baine – Wesleyan University

Baine spearheaded the No. 8 Cardinal offense in securing two significant victories against ranked opponents last week. She amassed 12 points, contributing nine goals and three assists, as Wesleyan defeated No. 17 Amherst, 17-8, on the road and clinched a thrilling 17-15 comeback win against the No. 3 Jumbos at home. In the match against Amherst, Baine registered seven points (four goals, three assists), matching her own single-game record. This win also sealed Wesleyan's fourth consecutive Little Three title. Following this success, Baine continued her impressive form with a career-best five goals, propelling the Cardinals ahead by two with only 76 seconds remaining in the game against the Jumbos. This remarkable display helped Wesleyan overcome a 15-11 deficit with a 6-0 fourth-quarter rally, handing the previously undefeated Jumbos their first loss of the season.

Defensive Player of the Week

Hayden Drescher – Warren Wilson College

Drescher had a solid game between the pipes on Saturday with 13 saves, five goals allowed, three ground balls, and an impressive 72.2 save percentage. In the Owls’ 8-5 win against Sweet Briar, Drescher and the defense held the vixens scoreless in the first half. Hayden has had back-to-back games above 70% save percentage and sits at .517 save percentage for the year, ranking 14th in NCAA Division III. Hayden currently holds the program record for career saves (259) and season saves (124).

Offensive Player of the Week

Kaelin Quarles – Culver-Stockton College

Quarles became the school's single-season leader in goals this past weekend. She tied the single-game record for goals (8) against Mount Mercy and then followed with six against Midland. Her six goals against Midland gave the freshman from Henderson, Nev., 37 goals on the season, breaking the single-season school record of 34. This is her second IWLCA National Offensive Player of the Week award this season.

Defensive Player of the Week

Koral Hadac – University of the Cumberlands

Hadac led the team with 10 caused turnovers and 20 draw controls, while scooping 10 ground balls in a three-game week for the Patriots. Her impact went beyond the numbers as against Ottawa she held the reigning NAIA offensive player of the week Mackenzie Simmons, who came into the game averaging seven goals per game, scoreless. She did not allow her mark to score in any of the three games. In addition, Hadac was a key part of the Patriots defense that limited opponents to 30-77 (39.0%) on clears. Hadac also recorded her 100th career ground ball.