Kurek, Paquin highlight All-MWLC postseason honors

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Allison Kurek was selected by the Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference head coaches as the league's best player, as she was named MWLC Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year. In addition, Lauren Paquin was tabbed the MWLC Rookie of the Year, the league office announced Wednesday.

Kurek (Chicago, Ill.) dominated both ends of the field this season, leading the Falcons to an undefeated MWLC regular season title. She led the conference in points (53), goals (40), ground balls (60) and caused turnovers (37). Kurek also ranked second in draw controls (41), third in assists (13) and third in shots on goal (51).

The sophomore earned five MWLC Defensive Player of the Week honors and is ranked second nationally in caused turnovers per game (4.13) and third in ground balls per game (6.07). Kurek was also named All-MWLC First Team.

Paquin (Waukesha, Wis.) had an outstanding freshman season and was named MWLC Rookie of the Year and All-MWLC First Team after helping CUW to its second-consecutive undefeated regular season title. She ranked fourth in the MWLC in points (41), goals (31) and sixth in assists (10). Paquin also had 39 shots on goal and 18 caused turnovers. Paquin earned MWLC Offensive Player of the Week (March 14) once.

Katherine Pauletti (Roseville, Minn.) earned All-MWLC First Team accolades as a defender after she had the best statistical season of her career. The senior recorded 54 ground balls, 33 caused turnovers and 12 draw control wins. Pauletti was third in MWLC play with 23 caused turnovers and fifth with 38 ground balls. It is the third-straight year she was named All-MWLC.

Sabrina Boehlke (Random Lake, Wis.) was named All-MWLC Second Team as a midfielder after accumulating 48 points, 31 goals, 17 assists, 46 ground balls, 42 draw controls and 22 caused turnovers. The senior had a career year and was named MWLC Defensive Player of the Week once (March 21), along with twice scoring the game-winning goal. The postseason honor is the second of her career.

Veronika Metanova (Palatine, Ill.) was also on the All-MWLC Second Team list as a goalkeeper and was second in the league in goals allowed (43) and fourth in save percentage (48.2). The junior played 870 minutes in goal and set the program's single season record for wins (13) and moved into first place all-time in program history for wins (25).

Paige Cowgill (Glenview, Ill.) made the MWLC All-Sportsmanship Team after playing all 15 games and caused seven turnovers. She also had eight ground balls and assisted on a goal.

The Falcons won the MWLC regular season title with an undefeated record and earned the No. 1 seed in the MWLC Tournament, which they host on May 6-7 at Fitting Field. Click here to view the MWLC Tournament webpage.