Metanova named MWLC DPOY, Falcons represented well in postseason awards

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Concordia Wisconsin goalkeeper Veronika Metanova was named Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference Defensive Player of the Year, the league office announced Thursday. The Falcons had 10 players earn All-MWLC honors.

Metanova (senior, Palatine, Ill.) earned MWLC Defensive Player of the Year honors for the first time in her career and All-MWLC First Team accolades as well. She posted an 11-6 record in goal with 163 saves and a 55.4 save percentage. Metanova ranks first in MWLC games only giving up just 59 goals in 11 contests. She also set the program's single-season record for saves, save percentage and is the career leader in every goalkeeping statistical category. Metanova was twice named MWLC Defensive Player of the Week (April 24, March 27).

Sophomore Ellie Woodman (Janesville, Wis.) earned All-MWLC First Team honors and had her best season yet as a defender with 20 caused turnovers, 43 ground balls and five draw controls. She caused multiple turnovers in six games, including a career-high at Aurora (April 5). Woodman picked up three or more ground balls in eight games. She was named MWLC Defensive Player of the Week once (April 10).

Junior Caitlin Henry (Lansing, Ill.) was an All-MWLC First Team honoree and had a career year with 48 points (37 goals, 11 assists), 26 ground balls, 42 draw controls and 16 caused turnovers. The midfielder ranked second on the team in points and led the Falcons in goals. Henry scored a career-high-tying five goals three times during the season and had a hat trick or better seven times.

Junior Allison Kurek (Chicago, Ill.) was tagged with All-MWLC First Team accolades for the third time in her career after leading the Falcons with 45 caused turnovers, 59 ground balls and 63 draw controls. The midfielder also had 26 goals and 12 assists. She was named MWLC Defensive Player of the Week on April 17.

Sophomore Lauren Paquin (Waukesha, Wis.) was named to the All-MWLC First Team after leading Concordia Wisconsin in points (54) and assists (18), to go along with 36 goals, 28 ground balls, 17 draw controls and 11 caused turnovers. The attacker recorded five points or more six times throughout the season and had a team-high-tying six free-position goals.

Senior Ariana Worthing (Saginaw, Mich.) was tabbed with All-MWLC Second Team honors after causing 17 turnovers, picking up 22 ground balls and winning two draw controls. She also scored three goals and assisted on another. The defender caused multiple turnovers in four games, including a career-high five against Benedictine (April 1).

Freshman Nicole DeMeo (Niles, Ill.) earned All-MWLC Second Team accolades after accumulating 32 points, which was fourth on the team, to go along with 24 goals, eight assists, 29 ground balls, six draw controls and 10 caused turnovers. She had two-plus goals six times throughout the season.

Freshman Jenny Rudenga (Elmhurst, Ill.) was on the All-MWLC Honorable Mention Team and accounted for 20 ground balls, 10 draw controls, 16 caused turnovers, two goals and two assists this season. The defender caused multiple turnovers in six games.

Sophomore Christina Pattengale (Portage, Mich.) earned All-MWLC Honorable Mention honors after tallying 26 points (18 goals, eight assists), picking up 26 ground balls, winning 12 draw controls and causing 10 turnovers. The midfielder scored multiple goals six times this season.

Senior Allie Novick (Schaumburg, Ill.) was named to the All-MWLC Sportsmanship Team after appearing in nine games and making three starts. The defender picked up three ground balls this season.