Final Weekly Awards of Season Announced in Women's Lacrosse
MAAC Sports
Offensive Player of the Week
Lauren Smith, Siena
Jr., Midfielder, 5-6, Menands, N.Y./Shaker
Smith netted her third consecutive hat trick in the Saints’ regular season finale, a 10-9 win over Niagara Wednesday. The Saints’ junior captain scored all three of her goals during a six-goal first half run that helped Siena reclaim the lead for good. A true two-way midfielder, Smith was equally impressive on the defensive end where she won four draw controls, caused two turnovers and added a season-high five groundballs in leading the Saints’ to their fourth straight win which helped the program clinch the No. 4 seed in the MAAC Tournament and first-ever postseason home game.
Defensive Player of the Week
Kristina Vangeli, Monmouth
Jr., Defender, 6-0, Hillsborough, N.J./Hillsborough
Vangeli led Monmouth defense to an 8-7 season finale victory over Iona. In Wednesday’s win over Iona, Vangeli had three draw controls, two ground balls and a caused turnover as Monmouth held the Gaels to seven goals. The junior picks up her third conference weekly award as she leads the Hawks in caused turnovers and draw controls and is third in ground balls. Monmouth’s defense ranks second in the league in goals against average, allowing 8.16 goals per game, while leading the league in caused turnovers per game. Individually the Hillsborough, NJ native ranks fifth in draw controls and caused turnovers.
Rookie of the Week
Lauren Smolensky, Canisius
Fr., Attack, 5-0, Rochester, N.Y./Brighton
Freshman Lauren Smolensky was phenomenal on Saturday afternoon in the Griffs final regular season game. Smolensky put together one of her strongest performances this season against the Bearcats, leading the team in goals, three, and points, five, and also recorded two assists against the Bearcats. Smolensky was arguably the Griffs best performer on the day and has been one of the team’s top offensive options all season long.