Stathius, Vangeli, and Smolensky Claim Women's Lacrosse Weekly Honors
MAAC Sports
Offensive Player of the Week
Allison Stathius, Monmouth
Sr., Midfield, 5-8, Delran, N.J./Delran
Stathius was the leading scorer in Monmouth’s 10-3 win over Lafayette, scoring four goals against the Leopards. The senior captain scored a pair of goals in the first half and a pair of goals in the second half; outscoring the entire Lafayette team. Stathius was four-for-four on shots, including 2-for-2 on free position attempts. She was integral in the midfield, controlling four draws, collecting a pair of ground balls and causing a turnover. The preseason All-MAAC selection committed just one turnover and one foul in the win.
Defensive Player of the Week
Kristina Vangeli, Monmouth
Jr., Defender, 6-0, Hillsborough, N.J./Hillsborough
Vangeli had her finest outing as a Hawk against the Leopards, setting career-highs in both ground balls and caused turnovers. The Hillsborough NJ native led a defense that caused 16 Lafayette miscues and kept the Leopards off the scoreboard for a 42 minute stretch during the game. Vangeli accounted for four caused turnovers while collecting four ground balls in the 10-3 win. Already ranked third in Monmouth history in draw controls, the junior added a game-high five DCs against Lafayette. The Monmouth defense held Lafayette to just 14 total shots, including four in the first half.
Rookie of the Week
Lauren Smolensky, Canisius
Fr., Attack, 5-0, Rochester, N.Y./Brighton
For the second week in a row against a ranked opponent (No. 3 Syracuse, twice) the freshman attacker scored multiple goals. In her second collegiate game, Smolensky had two goals against one of the nation’s premier teams. Smolensky’s two goals came on three total shots, she was tied for the team lead with two goals along with junior Ashley Bull.