With just over 60 percent of all games completed, it’s time to look at the early front-runners for the Tewaaraton Award. With the graduation of three-time Tewaaraton winner Taylor Cummings of Maryland, there will be a new winner this year. The trophy will be awarded June 1, 2017.
Ellie DeGarmo
Princeton, Senior, Goalie
DeGarmo would be just the second goalie ever to be a finalist in 17 years besides Florida’s Mikey Meagher in 2013. Like Meagher, DeGarmo comes off a C. Markland Kelly Award winning season as the nation’s top goalie, and her numbers are even better this year. She is second in the nation with a .592 save percentage and leads the nation in saves per game at 12.56. She has had double-digit saves in all but one game this year, and is a huge reason the Tigers are 8-1, their best start since 2009.
Steph Lazo
Penn State, Senior, Attack
Lazo has been unstoppable this season while helping Penn State to a fast start. She’s already matched her offensive production of last year. She is second in the nation with 71 points on 38 goals and 33 assists. She has scored game-winners three times and is a dual threat to score or set up a teammate.
Marie McCool
North Carolina, Junior, Midfield
McCool has been dominant in the midfield again for the defending champions. She is second on the Tar Heels in goals with 28, fourth on the team with nine assists, third in points with 37, leads the team with 13 caused turnovers, is tops among field players with 24 ground balls and is second with 33 draw controls. Almost anything that UNC needs, she can provide.
Kylie Ohlmiller
Stony Brook, Junior, Attack
The dynamic junior leads the nation in scoring thanks to her incredible balance of 40 goals and 35 assists. Her goals per game ranks eighth in the country and her assists per game rank second. Since Courtney Murphy was lost to injury, Ohlmiller has become even more important on attack and has delivered. She has elevated her game despite even greater attention from opponents.
Megan Whittle
Maryland, Junior, Attack
After the graduation of Cummings, Whittle stepped up to lead the best team in the country’s offense. She has 34 goals and six assists for a team-high 40 points. She’s also showcased her high-energy on the ride with nine caused turnovers, good for third on the team. Whittle’s play has helped make Maryland the undisputed No. 1 team in the country.
GAMES TO WATCH
Here are some key games to keep an eye on this weekend (all times Eastern):
No. 17 Elon at No. 19 James Madison, Friday, 5 p.m.
Having beaten Towson last weekend, James Madison has the chance to put distance between another top CAA contender with a win. It’s the start of a big weekend for Elon, which also plays at Towson on Sunday.
Stanford at No. 5 Colorado, Friday, 5 p.m.
Stanford swept both games against Colorado last year, and a Cardinal win could push them closer into Top 20 consideration. Colorado comes off its first loss of the season.
No. 2 North Carolina at No. 20 Louisville, Saturday, 12 p.m.
Louisville looks to hand ACC front-runner North Carolina its first loss in conference play. Don’t think it can happen? The Cardinals haven’t lost yet at home.
No. 15 Virginia at No. 6 Penn State, Saturday, 1 p.m.
Both teams are looking for another Top 20 win as they wind down their non-conference schedules. Both teams have won five of their last six games going into Wednesday.
Virginia Tech at No. 11 Syracuse, Sunday, 1 p.m.
A win for Virginia Tech would end a two-game losing streak and vault them over Syracuse into second place in the ACC. The Orange look to gain momentum for a difficult home stretch to the season.