Tag: Rutgers women’s lacrosse

Rutgers lacrosse star Cassidy Spilis named First Team All-American by ILWomen

Rutgers lacrosse star Cassidy Spilis gets another national honor.

For the fourth straight year,  Rutgers lacrosse star Cassidy Spilis was honored by ILWomen on Friday. The talented midfielder was named First Team All-American. She also earned second-team accolades in 2022 and honorable mention recognition in 2021 and 2023 from ILWomen.  Her latest achievement comes following a stellar 2024 campaign.

In 18 games, Spilis scored 74 goals while dishing out five assists. The Rutgers star also led the Big Ten in goals while being a human highlight reel every time she stepped on the field. Her impressive season didn’t stop there, as Spilis finished the season second in the Big Ten in goals per game (4.11), third in caused turnovers per game (2.00), and draw controls per game (5.44).

Stop us if you’ve heard this before …

Cassidy Spilis is IWLCA First Team All-Region!

BxB 🧱 | #GoRU pic.twitter.com/gLoS342Nnn

— Rutgers Women’s Lacrosse (@rutgers_wlax) May 16, 2024

While Spilis put together a career year, she also rewrote the record books. The Seneca High School product became Rutgers all-time leader in points scored with 281. She also set the school record for career draw controls (313) and broke her own single-season record with 74 goals.

Her latest accolade also represents how well Rutgers women’s lacrosse is regarded. This is the third straight season the program has had at least one student-athlete earn first-team laurels by at least one publication under head coach Melissa Lehman.

As Spilis prepares for life after Rutgers, she leaves behind an impressive legacy that includes countless unforgettable moments. Her latest award is a reminder of the impact she made.

Rutgers lacrosse’s Cassidy Spilis named 2024 All-American by USA Lacrosse Magazine

Cassidy Spilis named All-American.

Rutgers lacrosse star [autotag]Cassidy Spilis[/autotag] has continued to add new hardware to her trophy case over the past week.

Last Thursday, the New Jersey native was named a 2024 All-American by USA Lacrosse Magazine. It marked the fourth straight year Spilis has been recognized by the publication.

During the 2024 campaign, Spilis scored 74 goals and dished out five assists. She was a scoring machine regardless of the opponent, scoring five or more goals in a game five times. While she led Rutgers offense, Spilis was also one of the best players in the country. 

The talented midfielder finished her fifth (and final) season at Rutgers second in the Big Ten in goals per game (4.11), third in caused turnovers per game (2.00), and fourth in points per game (4.39). That is partly why Spilis was a unanimous First-Team All-Big Ten pick. 

The new all-time leader in career points for @rutgers_wlax: Cassidy Spilis 👏 pic.twitter.com/duoCQscNhM

— Big Ten Lacrosse (@B1GLacrosse) April 19, 2024

While Spilis was one of the best at her position, she also rewrote Rutgers’ record books. With 281 points, she became the program’s all-time leader in points scored. Her excellent play became the standard every time she stepped on the field. 

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As Spilis prepares for life after Rutgers, she finishes her college career with impressive accolades. That includes four-time First Team All-Big Ten and three-time All-American selections. Although her impact will be hard to replace, her impact on Rutgers women’s will never be forgotten. 

Rutgers women’s lacrosse star Cassidy Spillis gets Big Ten honor

Cassidy Spillis is honored by the Big Ten.

Over the last five years, Cassidy Spillis has been a human highlight reel for Rutgers women’s lacrosse. On Monday, she added to her trophy case as the New Jersey native was named the Big Ten Midfielder of the Year. It is the second time she has won the award. 

While the news came as no surprise, Spillis joined special company. She is the second player in Big Ten history to win the award multiple times. She also became the first two-time unanimous midfielder of the year in Big Ten history. The honor is well deserved following an unforgettable season. 

During the 2024 campaign, Spillis was a scoring machine for Rutgers. In 18 games, she set career highs in points with 79, goals with 74, and assists with five. For just the second time in her career, Spillis reached the 71-point mark. Due to her play, Rutgers women’s lacrosse made a deep playoff run.

Cassidy Spillis gets us started!

Rutgers leads Penn State 1-0 with nine minutes left in the first!#BxB 🧱 | #GoRU pic.twitter.com/eCD95jSMWJ

— Rutgers Women’s Lacrosse (@rutgers_wlax) March 9, 2024

Although Rutgers’ season came to an end on Thursday against Penn State in the Big Ten semifinals, Spillis leaves behind an unforgettable legacy. She finished her Rutgers career as the program’s all-time leader in points with 281, goals with 266, and draw controls with 313. While replacing her will be no easy task, Rutgers fans have been lucky enough to watch one of the best in program history over the last five years. 

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Tuesday provided another reminder of why Spillis will be a player who will never be forgotten and always connected to Rutgers athletics. 

Rutgers lax goalkeeper named Defensive Player of the Week

Rutgers women’s lacrosse got a weekly Big Ten honor.

During the 2024 campaign, Sophia Cardello has been a key piece of Rutgers lacrosse. On Tuesday, she was recognized for her stellar play when she was named the IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week. It is the first nationally weekly recognition of Cardello’s career. 

Last week, the Massapequa, New York native recorded a season-high 15 saves in a 9-8 win over Maryland in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. As the Scarlet Knights pulled out a close victory, Cardello came through in the clutch with back-to-back stops in the final 15 seconds. In her stellar performance, Rutgers star held the Terrapins to their lowest goal total of the season. 

While Cardello made headlines due to her top play, it is the type of production Rutgers has come to expect. In 17 games this season, her .470 save percentage is the third-best in the Big Ten. She also ranks third in the conference with a 10.59 goals-against average. She ranks fourth in saves with 151. 

Sophia Cardello calls GAME!

See you in Evanston!#BxB 🧱 | #GoRU pic.twitter.com/iqdPgmQ7Tp

— Rutgers Women’s Lacrosse (@rutgers_wlax) April 27, 2024

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Although Rutgers had a reason to celebrate on Tuesday, their focus is on beating Penn State on Thursday afternoon. In the Big Ten semifinals, they will need Cardello at her best as they take on a Nittany Lions team that went 10-6 in the regular season. 

Rutgers women’s lacrosse standout Cassidy Spilis earns another Big Ten honor

Casidy Spilis got a weekly Big Ten lacrosse honor.

During the 2024 season, Rutgers women’s lacrosse star Cassidy Spilis has been a human highlight reel and scoring machine. As a result, she has added some hardware to her trophy case and that continued on Tuesday.

Most recently, the Rutgers standout was named the Big Ten Midfielder of the Week for the sixth time this season.

Last Thursday, Spilis’ impact was on display against Ohio State. She sparked a 6-1 scoring run, which included three of her game-high five goals. During that stretch, she also made history, becoming the program’s all-time points scorer with 269. She finished her day against the Buckeyes with five goals, six draw controls, four ground balls, and two caused turnovers.

Her excellence did not stop there; three days later, she impressed against Vermont. On Sunday, Spilis added four goals and one assist to her resume. She also caused chaos on defense, forcing five turnovers. Regardless of the opponent, she continued to show why she is one of the best at her position.

GOAL NO. 60! Cassidy Spilis is now two points away from the program career record thanks to this player-up goal!

OSU 7, RU 4 pic.twitter.com/1hAyXJqxSc

— Rutgers Women’s Lacrosse (@rutgers_wlax) April 18, 2024

 

Through 68 games, Spilis has put together the best season of her career. She has set career highs in goals with 68 and points with 72. While she has excelled, the Scarlet Knights have been one of the best teams in the Big Ten. 

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As Rutgers shifts its focus to the Big Ten tournament, Spilis will be crucial. Tuesday provided a reminder of how important she is and the impact she can make. 

Following a 2-0 start, Rutgers women’s lax is now ranked

Rutgers women’s lacrosse is ranked this week.

Rutgers women’s lacrosse has two wins in as many games to start the season, leading the Scarlet Knights to be nationally ranked. They are one of six Big Ten teams ranked this week.

In this week’s Inside Lacrosse/IWLCA Coaches Poll, Rutgers went from unranked to No. 24 nationally. It is significant news from Rutgers, after they started the season with a 20-10 win over Manhattan that was followed by a convincing win at Georgetown this past weekend.

They will look to continue their strong start to the season on Wednesday against Monmouth before hosting Army on Saturday. Last year. Army was the first loss of the season for the Scarlet Knights.

It was an up-and-down 2023 for Rutgers as they finished the season 8-9, beating John Hopkins in the Big Ten Tournament before losing to Maryland in the semifinals. They started last season 3-1.

Three Big Ten programs are ranked in the top six this week, led by No. 4 Northwestern followed by Maryland and then Michigan.

 

Rutgers women’s lacrosse promotes Taralyn Naslonski to assistant coach

Rutgers women’s lacrosse has a new assistant coach.

On Wednesday, Rutgers gave Taralyn Naslonski a reason to celebrate. After serving as a volunteer assistant for Rutgers women’s lacrosse this past season, the Scarlet Knights announced that Naslonski had been promoted to assistant coach. While her new role comes with more responsibilities, head coach Melissa Lehman has high expectations.

This past season Naslonski mentored the goalies and was crucial to their success. Under her guidance, Sophia Cardello finished second in the Big Ten and 28th nationally in saves per game (9.06). She also earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

Whether as a coach or as a player, Naslonski has been able to succeed at Rutgers. She holds the program records for career points with 226 and goals with 187. As a player, she was also named a Second Team All-American by the IWLCA and Honorable Mention All-American by USA Lacrosse Magazine.

“I am ecstatic about TT becoming a full-time member of our staff,” Lehman said. “TT demonstrated last year that she is one of the bright young minds in the sport. She is passionate about coaching and Rutgers University. We cannot wait to continue to work alongside her as we continue to take Rutgers lacrosse to the next level and build the program into a championship contender.”

 

While Nalonski’s success has been well documented, her new role is one she isn’t taking for granted.

“Rutgers has such a special place in my heart, and being able to continue to represent the ‘Block R’ as an assistant coach means everything to me,” Naslonski told Rutgers athletics. “Working with Melissa and having the trust and support from the rest of the staff is truly an honor. This program has seen tremendous growth within the last few seasons and has set the standard for years to come.”

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Grace Walter preparing for final season in Piscataway with one goal in mind

Grace Walter talks about the upcoming season for Rutgers women’s soccer.

As the Rutgers women’s soccer team prepares for the 2023 season, it will have a different meaning to Grace Walter. The New Jersey native is entering her final season as a Scarlet Knight. For Walter, the decision to return for a fifth year was easy to make.

“The past four years I have had here at Rutgers have been nothing short of amazing,” Walter told ScarletKnights.com.

“Winning Big Ten championships and reaching the Final Four have become standard goals, so we have some unfinished business after last season.”

During her time as Scarlet Knight, the talented goalkeeper has appeared in three games. While her playing time has been limited, Walter’s has made an impact that goes beyond the box score. When the 2023 campaign begins, Walters will be the longest tenured netminder of the three on the Scarlet Knights roster.

While the trio is very close Walter at times has served as a mentor to Olivia Bodmer and Cameron Kennett. Her focus is putting them and the team in the best position to be successful.

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“The three of us are very close already as we have all known each other from a young age,” Walter told Rutgers Athletics. “As someone who is an older mentor, teammate, and friend, I aim to make sure that I’m there for both of them by encouraging them in the long run.

Since stepping foot on Piscataway, Walter has seen some of the biggest moments in program history. That includes Rutgers win over Arkansas to make the College Cup in 2021. While rosters change yearly, Walter has been a positive presence and provided important leadership when needed.

While her role this upcoming season is still to be determined, Walter’s mindset has not changed. Her main goal when the final whistle blows is to be remembered as the confident person she has become while calling Rutgers home.

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Rutgers opens Big Ten lacrosse tournament with thrilling win

Rutgers women’s lacrosse got a big upset on Saturday in the Big Ten Tournament.

Rutgers women’s lacrosse, behind five goals from Cassidy Spilis, pulled off an upset in the Big Ten Tournament on Saturday with a 15-14 win over Johns Hopkins.

The win is big for Rutgers after they struggled in Big Ten play this year, posting a 1-5 record in the regular season. Rutgers kept things close in the first half as John Hopkins outscored them 9-8. However, they took over in the second half when the Blue Jays were expected to pull away.

The Scarlet Knights scored seven goals in the second half while holding John Hopkins to five. Cassidy Spilis led the way offensively with five goals, and Asley Moynahan chipped in with two goals of her own. Rutgers also got a boost in net from Sophia Cardello, who made 11 saves.

With their first upset of the tournament in the books, Rutgers will look to continue their success on Thursday against Maryland. The Terrapins are the second seed and beat Rutgers 16-8 in mid-March.

While the Big Ten tournament has just begun, the first weekend of postseason play was full of unforgettable moments. The winner of the Rutgers and Maryland game will face Michigan on May sixth with a berth in the 2023 NCAA Championship on the line.

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Rutgers women’s lacrosse rallies to defeat Buckeyes in overtime

Rutgers women’s lacrosse (7-7, 1-5) came from behind to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes (5-10, 0-6) 13-12 in a thrilling overtime victory.

Rutgers women’s lacrosse (7-7, 1-5) came from behind to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes (5-10, 0-6) 13-12 in a thrilling overtime victory Thursday night. This victory marks Rutgers’ fifth consecutive win over the Buckeyes in the all-time series.

Rutgers overcame a five-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to get their first Big Ten win of the season.

Freshman Lily Dixon finished with a career-high four goals, three coming during Rutgers’ 6-0 scoring run to end the game. With time winding down in overtime, senior Jenna Byrne found Dixon for the game-winner to seal Rutgers’ victory.

Ohio State took their largest lead of the game (12-7) when Caly O’Brien scored with 14:15 left in the fourth quarter. Rutgers didn’t stop fighting, countering with a 5-0 scoring run. Down 12-8 with 12:07 left in the fourth, Marin Hartshorn cut the Buckeyes’ lead to three. With that goal, Hartshorn becomes the fifth player in program history to hit 200 points during her career. Ava Kane and Dixon followed Hartshorn’s unassisted goal with their own goals.

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With only 2:40 left in the game, senior Cassidy Spills scored her second goal of the night, tieing the game. The Buckeyes tried to take the lead with a last-second push, but Rutgers goalie Sophia Cardello stopped the Buckeyes’ surge keeping the game tied.

Senior Meghan Hall caused a game-high five turnovers as Rutgers’ defense forced Ohio State into 17 turnovers. The Scarlet Knights’ victory locked up the No. 6 seed for this year’s Big Ten Tournament when it begins on Saturday, April 29.

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