Women's Tewaaraton Stock Watch: Meaghan Tyrrell Tearing It Up

Nearly one month into the season, there have been no shortage of stellar individual performances.

Goalkeeper Lacey Bartholomay has emerged as a rock for Army in one of the biggest breakout stories of the spring. Boston College’s Jenn Medjid, Belle Smith and Kayla Martello have gelled in the Eagles’ retooled attack. Florida’s Emma LoPinto has excelled in her role leading a more experienced offense.

These players are just a handful of the 15 who make up this week’s Tewaaraton Award Stock Watch. This week’s list highlights players in six different conferences making waves against the country’s top competition, and it includes some shakeups in the top five.

Note: The Tewaaraton Foundation announced nine addition to its Tewaaraton Watch List on Thursday, March 9. See the full Watch List here.

1. Meaghan Tyrrell, A, Syracuse

Syracuse has looked every bit a national title contender. Tyrrell has been key to the Orange’s success so far, tallying 24 assists — good for second in the nation — and 17 goals. She’s been an especially creative playmaker and feeder but also shined as a goal-scorer last week. Tyrrell tallied a combined eight goals in Syracuse’s contests against Albany and Virginia Tech, leading the Orange to a 6-0 start for just the third time in program history.

2. Ellie Masera, M, Stony Brook

Named the USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Midfielder of the Year, Masera is living up to the hype. She leads Stony Brook with 20 points — 16 goals and four assists — and has played a key role on the draw circle. Her stat line against Stanford last weekend was complete, as she tallied five goals, two assists, three ground balls and nine draw controls. Keep an eye on Masera as the Seawolves face their toughest test yet at Northwestern on Friday.

3. Izzy Scane, A, Northwestern

Scane didn’t play this past weekend, sitting out with what coach Kelly Amonte Hiller told The Daily Northwestern was a “day-to-day injury.” The Michigan native remains on the list because of her sheer dominance thus far. Even after missing two games, Scane leads the Wildcats with 27 goals this season –– good for second nationally. She scored a combined 12 goals in her most recent outings against Boston College and Marquette.

4. Belle Smith, M, Boston College

Boston College has a number of skilled offensive minds leading the way this season. Smith re-enters the top five this week because of her recent dynamic, two-way performances. She’s posted 14 goals, seven assists, five caused turnovers and nine ground balls this year. The Eagles struggled in a NCAA championship rematch against North Carolina last weekend, but Smith led the way with two goals. 

5. Alecia Nicholas, G, North Carolina

A first-time starter, Nicholas has emerged as a force between the pipes for North Carolina. The sophomore played like a seasoned veteran against Boston College, recording nine saves — good for a .643 save rate. She’s excelled against other tough opponents as well, tallying 14 saves against James Madison and 10 saves against Florida. After graduating Taylor Moreno, North Carolina has found its new defensive star in Nicholas.

Next five: Jenn Medjid, A, Boston College; Isabella Peterson, A, James Madison; Kayla Martello, A, Boston College; Sarah Reznick, G, Florida; Kasey Choma, M, Notre Dame
Five to monitor: Sam Thacker, D, Denver; Maddie Jenner, A/Draw, Duke; Meghan Ball, D, Rutgers; Emma LoPinto, A, Florida; Lacey Bartholomay, GK, Army West Point