The USA Lacrosse Players of the Week recognize the most outstanding individual performances in high school girls’ lacrosse in each of the five regions — Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West — outlined in our high school coverage.
The South and West Regions have concluded play, so this week, we honor the top players from the other three regions.
NORTHEAST
Eva Pronti, Victor (N.Y.)
Eva Pronti put an exclamation mark on her sensational high school career, guiding Victor to a first-ever New York State championship.
First, the Duke-bound senior had four goals and four assists in a 15-7 win over Fayetteville-Manlius (N.Y.) to send the Blue Devils to the second state final in school history. And in her final high school game, Pronti had two goals and six assists in a 14-5 victory over Queensbury (N.Y.) to finish her senior season with 61 goals and 75 assists for 136 points.
“Eva walks her walk with the help of discipline. When she sees something she wants, she works until the job is done,” Victor coach Niki Frunzi said. “Eva is one of the most talented players to go through Victor in my last seven years. Watching her develop her skill, amp up her drive and grow her lacrosse IQ over the years has been a pure joy to be part of. This weekend, the blend of her confidence and talent allowed for an array of her teammates to get a touch and opportunity. When that wasn’t in the cards, she found the back of the net herself.”
Also notable: Maddie Epke, Guilford (Conn.); Kaleigh Harden, New Canaan (Conn.); Molly Krestinski, Bronxville (N.Y.); Alexis Morton, Manhasset (N.Y.); Brianna Peters, Baldwinsville (N.Y.); Ava Romanello, New Fairfield (Conn.)
— Dylan Butler
MID-ATLANTIC
Emma Talago, Archbishop Carroll (Pa.)
The Patriots senior had seven points in Archbishop Carroll’s 10-8 win over Twin Valley (Pa.) to repeat as 2A state champions. Talago scored four times and had three assists. The Patriots had to rally from a 6-4 halftime deficit, and they trailed again 8-7 when Talago scored two of her goals to help Carroll overtake Twin Valley. The win enabled Carroll to finish 24-0, the first unbeaten state champion from Pennsylvania since the state began sponsoring lacrosse championships in 2009. Talago also had two goals and two assists in the Patriots’ 8-4 semifinal win over Bishop Shanahan (Pa.). Talago is committed to continue her career at Loyola (Md.).
Also notable: Jane Freeman, Summit (N.J.); Lilly Spinner, Summit (N.J.); Anya Wardle, Summit (N.J.); Ellie Wisch, Conestoga (Pa.)
— Justin Feil
MIDWEST
Lizzie Lundeen, East Grand Rapids (Mich.)
Lizzie Lundeen wasn't the only Pioneers player with a hat trick in their state championship victory over Detroit Country Day (Mich.), but the way she capped her performance was particularly striking. Knotted at 11 after a DCD second-half comeback and a scoreless first overtime, Lundeen scored her third goal, the game-winner, 20 seconds into the second overtime period after Mary Mehney set her up by winning the draw.
Also notable: Katie Colleran, Chanhassen (Minn.); Emma Duchscherer, Rosemount (Minn.); Taylor Kotschevar-Call, Eden Prairie (Minn.); Eliana LaMange, East Grand Rapids (Mich.); Brooke Robinson, University School of Milwaukee (Wisc.); Grace Tuttle, University School of Milwaukee (Wisc.)
— Jonah Rosenblum