For Meghan Ball, the 2023 season was one of her best as a Scarlet Knight. The New Jersey native earned 2023 Big Ten Defender of the Year honors and was a turnovers machine. On Wednesday, the awards continued to roll in as she was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Defensive Player of the Year.
As Ball gave Rutgers a boost defensively, she led the conference in caused turnovers per game with 3.53 and ground balls per game with three. She also caused 60 turnovers, resetting the program single-season record she set a year ago. Regardless of the opponent, she was a force defensively.
A BIG congratulations to Meghan Ball, who set a program record for career caused turnovers in today's win over Georgetown!#BxB 🧱 | #GoRU pic.twitter.com/7Ogalchrce
— Rutgers Women's Lacrosse (@rutgers_wlax) February 18, 2023
During the 2022 campaign, Rutgers had one of the toughest schedules in the country. The Scarlet Knights rose to the challenge and made their third consecutive Big Ten Tournament Semifinal appearance. Ball was a crucial piece to their success.
The Tewaaraton Award Top-25 finalist caused three or more turnovers ten times during the regular season. Her best game came on February 15 when she forced seven turnovers. Ball was named the Big Ten Defense Player of the Week three times and earned IWLCA National Defensive Player of the Week honors.
🧱 Wall. Meg Ball
Meghan Ball continues to show why she is one of the best defenders in the country.#BxB 🧱 | #GoRU pic.twitter.com/tQZiDLpAJC
— Rutgers Women's Lacrosse (@rutgers_wlax) April 7, 2023
While Ball has had a stellar run at Rutgers, she entered the transfer portal in May. Her departure will be a big blow for the Scarlet Knights as she will not be easy to replace. Regardless of what her next chapter holds, Ball made the most of her time in Piscataway.