Women's Tewaaraton Stock Watch: New Names Enter 'Next Five' Conversation

At nearly the midway point of the NCAA women’s lacrosse season, conference play is in full swing — but it was this week’s non-conference matchups that stole the show.

North Carolina goalkeeper Alecia Nicholas held her own in a loss against Northwestern, posting 11 saves against one of the country’s top attack units. Syracuse attacker Emma Ward proved a dynamic playmaker Wednesday night, tallying seven assists as Syracuse defeated Stony Brook in a thrilling offensive performance. Denver defender Trinity McPherson was electric this week with a combined six draw controls, four caused turnovers and six ground balls in wins over Boston College and Jacksonville.

From wild upsets to conference rivalries, last weekend provided plenty of opportunities for individual players to shine. Here’s how the Tewaaraton Award Stock Watch looks as of now.

1. Izzy Scane, A, Northwestern

Scane headlined the Wildcats’ upset victory over then-No. 1 North Carolina, posting four goals, one assist and one caused turnover. The four scores tied Scane’s lowest total all season –– a testament to just how dominant she’s been on the offensive end. The Michigan native missed two games earlier this season with a hamstring injury but has tallied 46 goals through seven contests. Look forr Scane to continue leading Northwestern’s attack as Big Ten play ramps up.

2. Ellie Masera, M, Stony Brook

The USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Midfielder of the Year, Masera has certainly played the part. She was all over the stat sheet in a win against Delaware last weekend, recording seven goals, one assist, two ground balls, one caused turnover and one draw control. She was less impactful on the offensive end against Syracuse on Wednesday, but she posted four draw controls and four ground balls. These dynamic performances are just two snapshots of a masterful season featuring 28 goals, 37 draw controls and 14 ground balls. A powerful player on both ends of the field, Masera will prove key as the Seawolves look to rebound following their loss to the Orange.

3. Meaghan Tyrrell, A, Syracuse

A creative playmaker and offensive powerhouse, Tyrrell has been key to the Orange’s historic success in 2023. She’s posted some quieter stat lines lately, tallying two assists against Stony Brook on Wednesday night and one assist and one goal against Duke last Saturday. But Tyrrell’s body of work this season is especially impressive. She has tallied 24 goals and 27 assists in 10 games, ensuring her place as one of the country’s assist leaders. Expect Tyrrell to keep leading the Orange to new heights this season.

4. Jenn Medjid, A, Boston College

Boston College’s most recent outing was an upset loss to Denver, but Medjid kept her team in the matchup with three goals and one draw control. She leads the Eagles with 30 goals despite missing their contest against UMass earlier this season. Without Charlotte North, Medjid has been a key offensive leader for the Eagles alongside midfielder Belle Smith. A dynamic offensive threat, expect Medjid to take the helm as Boston College takes on Virginia Tech this weekend.

5. Alecia Nicholas, G, North Carolina

Sure, North Carolina fell to Northwestern last weekend. But it wasn’t necessarily because of goalie play. Nicholas held her own, tallying 11 saves against the Wildcats’ high-octane offense. The New York native has been a game-changer for North Carolina after the program graduated Taylor Moreno, ensuring the Tar Heels remain defensively stout. The first-year starter boasts a .540 save rate, posting 74 saves.

Next five: Isabella Peterson, A, James Madison; Belle Smith, M, Boston College; Emma Ward, A, Syracuse; Meghan Ball, D, Rutgers; Jackie Wolak, A, Notre Dame
Five to monitor: Sarah Reznick, G, Florida; Ashlyn McGovern, A, Virginia; Erin Coykendall, A, Northwestern; Megan Carney, A, Syracuse; Trinity D, McPherson, Denver