Savage & Shue Shine as IWLCA National Players of the Week
In a thrilling showcase of talent and skill, Elizabeth Savage and Hope Shue, stars of the NCAA Champion Middlebury women’s lacrosse team, have been honored as the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) National Players of the Week. Their outstanding performances not only secured them these accolades but also contributed to Middlebury’s resounding success this season.
Honoree Highlights: A Closer Look
Savage: The Wall of Defense
- First National Recognition: This is Savage’s inaugural honor at the national level, marking a significant milestone in her young career.
- Championship Performance: The standout goalie was nothing short of phenomenal during the championship weekend, where she stopped a total of 16 shots. This remarkable effort helped the Panthers clinch their 11th national title.
- Clutch Saves in Semifinals: In a nail-biting semifinal against Colby, Savage played a pivotal role, registering six saves and collecting a career-high of five groundballs, leading Middlebury to a dramatic 13-12 overtime victory.
- Finals Heroics: During the championship against Tufts, Savage showcased her resilience in her 10th NCAA Tournament game. Matching her personal best, she delivered 10 saves and anchored a defense that held Tufts scoreless for over 22 minutes, ultimately guiding the team to a 10-9 victory.
- All-Tournament Team: Her stellar performance earned her a spot on the all-tournament team, further highlighting her contributions.
- Undefeated Legacy: With a perfect record of 17-0 in net throughout her career, Savage is proving to be a reliable force for the Panthers.
Shue: Offensive Dynamo
- Triple Crown of Honors: Celebrating her third IWLCA weekly honor of the season and the fifth of her illustrious career, Shue continues to cement her legacy in collegiate lacrosse.
- Offensive Powerhouse: Shue was on fire offensively, racking up 10 goals and two assists as she played a crucial role in securing the program’s fourth consecutive NCAA crown.
- Rapid Hat Trick: In the semifinal matchup against Colby, she dazzled fans, achieving a hat trick in just 5:06 of game time and ultimately finishing with six goals and two assists.
- Championship Contributions: In the NCAA Championship game, Shue scored two pivotal goals late in the fourth quarter to give Middlebury a lead they would not surrender. She ended her final game with four goals, two caused turnovers, and two draw controls.
- Milestone Achieved: Not only was she named the tournament’s most promising player, but Shue also joined an elite group as the seventh active player in NCAA women’s lacrosse to surpass the 300 career goals milestone.
Season Summary: A Legacy of Victory
Middlebury’s season concluded with a breathtaking record of 20+ wins for the sixth consecutive completed season, crowning it with another national title. The remarkable achievements of Savage and Shue reflect not only their individual talent but also the relentless spirit and unity of the Panthers throughout this memorable campaign.
In the realm of women’s lacrosse, both Savage and Shue have proven to be not just players but remarkable icons whose names will undoubtedly resonate in the annals of the sport. For more insights and updates on collegiate women’s lacrosse, visit the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse website.
About the IWLCA
The IWLCA plays a crucial role in the growth and development of women’s lacrosse, aiming to promote the sport and its athletes while providing recognition for their achievements. For more details on the IWLCA and their initiatives, check their official website.
Tune in for more updates on the rising stars of collegiate women’s sports, and celebrate their achievements as they continue to break barriers and set records on the field!
