Women's Tewaaraton Stock Watch: Peterson Saving Her Best Play for April

It’s been a whirlwind regular season of women’s lacrosse, and the action isn’t backing down just yet.

The final slate of regular season contests will feature some of the game’s biggest stars taking the stage together. Delaney Sweitzer and the vaunted Syracuse defense headline on Thursday night, looking to finish the regular season perfect with a win against Boston College’s dynamic duo of Jenn Medjid and Belle Smith. A marquee Big Ten rivalry will play out under the lights on Saturday, as Northwestern stars Erin Coykendall, Izzy Scane and Hailey Rhatigan look to power the Wildcats past Maryland for the first time since 2021.

As the regular season nears its end, here’s a look at those who have defined the game in 2023 and are making moves for the Tewaaraton Award.

1. Izzy Scane, A, Northwestern

A true force of nature, Scane has been prolific in her return from an ACL tear. With 72 scores in 13 games, Scane ranks first in the country in goals and goals per game. The Michigan native kept her scoring streak alive against Ohio State last weekend, posting four goals and two assists. Seemingly able to beat any double team and unafraid to shoot from any angle, Scane has been a thorn in defenders’ sides all year long. She’s also been key to Northwestern’s continued dominance this season, powering the nation’s top scoring offense.

2. Meaghan Tyrrell, A, Syracuse

Tyrrell excels at finding the goal in any scenario, whether she’s wrapping around the cage or dishing assists to teammates. A veteran presence for the Orange, Tyrrell has been key to leading Syracuse to its best start in program history. She’s tallied 43 goals and 43 assists this season and currently ranks fifth in the country in assists per game. Her two goals and four assists against North Carolina last weekend were key to handing the Tar Heels their first home loss in 41 games. Look to Tyrrell to anchor the Orange’s attack in a high-powered matchup against Boston College Thursday — a game in which she could set Syracuse’s all-time points record.

3. Jenn Medjid, A, Boston College

Another dynamic attacker, Medjid has been a veteran powerhouse for the Eagles. The Long Island native delivered a star performance against Virginia last weekend, tallying five goals. With 61 goals in 14 games, Medjid leads the ACC and ranks third nationally with 4.36 goals per game. Medjid and Eagles’ midfielder Belle Smith have been key leaders for Boston College’s offense this season, powering the program’s current six-game winning streak.

4. Delaney Sweitzer, G, Syracuse

Sweitzer has earned her flowers after her gritty, lights-out performance against North Carolina last weekend. The dominant goalkeeper played the game of her life against the Tar Heels, posting a .556 save rate and 15 total saves against one of the nation’s top attack units. Sweitzer has built momentum in the final weeks of the season, also recording save rates above .500 against Cornell, Louisville and Clemson in recent weeks. Syracuse ranks 11th nationally in scoring defense, and there’s no doubt Sweitzer has had a significant hand in that.

5. Isabella Peterson, James Madison

Is it possible that James Madison has been the most quietly excellent team in the country? The Dukes are up to No. 4 in the Nike/USA Lacrosse Top 20, and much of their success can be attributed to the contributions of Peterson. The redshirt-junior attacker has 60 goals with a career-high 18 assists. Her 64 draw controls are second on the team to Rachel Matey (65). Plus, Peterson has saved her best play for later in the spring. She has 17 goals, seven assists and 18 draw controls in four April games.

Next five: Belle Smith, M, Boston College; Erin Coykendall, A, Northwestern; Emma Ward, A, Syracuse; Ellie Masera, M, Stony Brook; Sam Thacker, D, Denver
Five to monitor: Meghan Ball, D, Rutgers; Alecia Nichols, G, North Carolina; Trinity McPherson, D, Denver; Kasey Choma, M, Notre Dame; Jillian Wilson, M, Loyola