IWLCA Players of the Week – May 7, 2024



The IWLCA has chosen nine student-athletes for the IWLCA Player of the Week awards for the week ending May 5, 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.


DIVISION I


Co-Offensive Player of the Week

Sydni Black – Loyola University

Black played a crucial role in No. 7 Loyola's success in the Patriot League Tournament, earning her the title of Tournament MVP. In the semifinal round against Lehigh, Black effectively limited Lehigh's offensive possessions and contributed to Loyola's shutout victory. Black's outstanding offensive performance throughout the tournament also earned her recognition as the Patriot League Tournament MVP. She currently ranks third in goals and second in points in the country.

Co-Offensive Player of the Week

Jenna Collignon – Yale University

Collignon's outstanding contributions were highlighted by her recognition as the Ivy League Tournament Most Outstanding Player. In the tournament, Collignon played a pivotal role in leading No. 8 Yale to victory, securing their first-ever Ivy League Tournament title. Notably, she tied the league record for goals in a tournament game with eight goals on Friday and set a new record for goals in the tournament as a whole with 12. Collignon consistently produced clutch performances that were instrumental in Yale's success against formidable opponents, including No. 23 Harvard and No. 10 Penn.

Defensive Player of the Week

Lauren Spence – Loyola University

In the semifinal round against Lehigh, Spence posted a shutout performance, making eight saves with a perfect 1.000 save percentage. Throughout the week, Spence showcased her skills in between the pipes by making a total of 17 saves and achieving a .607 save percentage. Her consistent performance and crucial saves earned her recognition as a member of the Patriot League All-Tournament Team.


DIVISION II


Offensive Player of the Week

Emily Mitarotonda – East Stroudsburg University

Mitarotonda achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the PSAC's all-time goals leader and moving to third in NCAA Division II history with her 300th career goal against No. 10 Kutztown. Throughout the week, Mitarotonda recorded eight goals and three assists, for a total of 11 points. Additionally, she contributed significantly on the defensive end with nine groundballs, 12 draw controls, and four caused turnovers.

Defensive Player of the Week

Abby Simonetti – East Stroudsburg University

Simonetti registered a total of 43 saves last week, making crucial contributions to her team's victories. Against Bloomsburg, Simonetti made 16 saves, demonstrating her ability to shut down opposing offenses and secure the win for No. 12 ESU. However, her standout performance came against Kutztown, where she recorded this year’s NCAA Division II high of 27 saves.


DIVISION III


Offensive Player of the Week

Madison Nazigian – Grove City College

Nazigian was named the Most Outstanding Player of the PAC Tournament after leading No. 3-seed Grove City to three wins and their first conference title in the program's third year of existence. Nazigian posted six goals on six shots, along with five draws and three ground balls in the 17-5 win over Westminster in the PAC Quarterfinals. In the PAC Semifinals at No. 2-seeded Allegheny, she tied a school record of eight goals and added 11 draw controls, six ground balls and four caused turnovers in the 14-13 double-OT victory. In the Championship game at three-time defending PAC champion Washington & Jefferson, Nazigian had five goals, including the game-winner, and one assist for six points in a 13-10 victory over the top seed to send Grove City to the NCAA Tournament with the automatic bid. In fueling the Grove City championship run, she totaled 19 goals, 20 points, 16 draw controls, nine ground balls and six caused turnovers.

Defensive Player of the Week

Eugenie Rovegno – Washington and Lee University

Rovegno demonstrated her defensive proficiency by achieving a career-high 12 draws in the ODAC semifinal contest. Her exceptional efforts helped lead No. 8 Washington and Lee to victory over No. 13 Roanoke College in the ODAC Championships. Through two games, Rovegno recorded a total of 19 draw controls, four ground balls and five caused turnovers. She also added an assist to her stat line as well. With Rovegno's contributions, Washington and Lee claimed its 24th ODAC trophy in 28 total appearances, including its 14th straight victory. Additionally, the Generals extended their unbeaten streak against ODAC opponents to an impressive 108 games, encompassing both regular season and ODAC Tournament matches.


NAIA


Offensive Player of the Week

Shelby O’Neil – Reinhardt University

O’Neil played a pivotal role in No. 1-seeded Reinhardt’s historic journey to clinch its first NAIA Championship Title in the program’s history. Throughout the tournament, O’Neil showcased her offensive strengths and leadership, earning recognition as the NAIA Tournament MVP. In the opening round against Missouri Baptist, she set the tone with a stellar performance, contributing four goals and two assists to secure victory for Reinhardt. However, O’Neil's most outstanding performance came in the Championship final against defending champions Lawrence Tech. In this crucial matchup, she displayed her versatility and impact on the game by registering four goals, three assists, three ground balls, 10 draw controls, and three caused turnovers.

Defensive Player of the Week

Madison Hasty – Reinhardt University

Hasty has earned this week’s defensive honors for her exceptional performance in the National title journey, where she played a pivotal role in No. 1-seeded Reinhardt's defensive efforts, ultimately leading the team to victory. Throughout three rounds of intense competition, Hasty recorded a total of 36 saves on 64 shots faced, resulting in an impressive .562 save percentage. Hasty's consistent performance played a crucial role in limiting opponents' scoring opportunities. Notably, Hasty played all 180 minutes at goalie for the Eagles. Her standout performance was highlighted by her ability to limit Lawrence Tech, the defending champions, to their lowest point total in the tournament.