IWLCA Players of the Week – May 14, 2024
The IWLCA has chosen eight student-athletes for the IWLCA Player of the Week awards for the week ending May 12, 2024. This weekly award recognizes the best offensive and defensive performances by players in Division I, II, and III each week during postseason play.
Offensive Player of the Week
Izzy Scane – Northwestern University
Scane achieved a remarkable milestone by breaking the All-Time NCAA career goal-scoring record, surpassing Charlotte North's previous record of 358 goals. Scane's achievement solidifies her position as the leader in career goals, now boasting an impressive total of 363 goals. This past Sunday, top-seed Northwestern (16-2, 5-1 B1G) defeated No. 12 Denver (16-4, 5-0 BIG EAST) 17-4 in the second round of the NCAA Championship. The Wildcats advanced to the quarterfinals on Thursday, May 16 and will take on No. 8 Penn. This is Scane’s third IWLCA Player of the Week accolade this season.
Co-Defensive Player of the Week
Erin O’Grady – University of Michigan
O’Grady played a pivotal role in Michigan's historic achievement of advancing to its first-ever NCAA Quarterfinal. In the matchup against the high-powered offense of No. 4 Notre Dame, O’Grady made 10 crucial saves to guide her team to the 15-14 victory. Notably, O’Grady recorded her sixth double-digit save effort of the season. O’Grady's performance was particularly notable in the third quarter, where she made three consecutive saves that proved crucial in swinging momentum in Michigan's favor. Michigan will head to Chestnut Hill, Mass this Thursday to take on No. 2 Boston College. This is O’Grady’s third IWLCA Player of the Week accolade this season.
Co-Defensive Player of the Week
Kate Mashewske – Syracuse University
Mashewske set the single-game school record with 20 draw controls in No. 3 Syracuse's win against No. 14 Stony Brook in the NCAA Tournament. Mashewske helped the Orange win 22-of-29 draws in the game. She won eight straight draws in the first half, helping Syracuse build an 11-6 lead. She also won seven in a row in the second half, helping the Orange secure the victory over the Seawolves.
Offensive Player of the Week
Angelina Porcello – Pace University
Porcello tallied two goals and three assists in No. 1 Pace’s shutdown of No. 18 Bentley in the Northeast 10 Championship Semifinal. She went on to record six assists and one goal in the Setters Northeast 10 title win over No. 4 Adelphi. The 20-0 Setters will have another shot at defeating Bentley as they will face off in the first round of the NCAA Division III Championship this Thursday. This is Porcello’s second IWLCA Player of the Week honor this season.
Defensive Player of the Week
Samantha Tanguay – Pace University
Tanguay played a big role in No. 1 Pace’s historic achievement of winning the program's first Northeast 10 Tournament title. In the matchups against formidable opponents Bentley and Adelphi, Tanguay showcased her defensive expertise by registering 11 and nine saves respectively. This is Tanguay’s second IWLCA Player of the Week honor this season.
Co-Offensive Player of the Week
Jordan Basso – Gettysburg College
Basso played a pivotal role in leading the No. 6 Bullets to a come-from-behind victory over No. 20 Trinity in the second round of the NCAA Division II Championship Tournament. In this crucial matchup, Basso showcased her offensive skills by contributing two goals and an impressive six assists. Notably, she scored the final goal with 3:31 remaining in the game, solidifying Gettysburg's victory and highlighting her impact on the outcome.
Co-Offensive Player of the Week
Natalie Daniels – William Smith Colleges
Daniels guided William Smith to a come-from-behind victory over No. 19 Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In this pivotal matchup, Daniels showcased her exceptional skills by setting a William Smith single-game record with an impressive 13 draw controls. Her ability to dominate the draw control circle provided her team with crucial possession opportunities and played a significant role in the team's 12-9 win in their NCAA opener.
Defensive Player of the Week
Healy Bledsoe – Colorado College
Bledsoe was essential to leading Colorado College to their first NCAA Sweet 16 appearance since 2019. She grabbed a career-high six ground balls in the win over No. 25 UChicago and also scored a goal after causing a turnover and taking it 100 yards to find the back of the net unassisted. Her efforts helped hold the Maroons to limited shots down the stretch. This was following a stellar performance in the first round of the tournament against Aurora University where the Tigers held the Spartans to two goals, including none in the second half. CC will take on back-to-back national champions, No. 1 Middlebury on Saturday in Vermont.