WESTFIELD, Mass. - Two Worcester State University women's lacrosse players claimed major awards from the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference on Wednesday, as the league announced its All-Conference selections.
Sophomore Lauren Arbec (Fairhaven, Mass.) was named the conference's first ever Defensive Player of the Year, while freshman Madison Brennan (Pomfret, Conn.) was named MASCAC Rookie of the Year. Arbec and junior Kelly Austin (Brimfield, Mass.) each earned First Team All-Conference honors on Wednesday as well.
Arbec quarterbacked the Lancer defense that allowed the third fewest goals per game of any team in the MASCAC. Her 59 ground balls on the season was tied for fourth best in the conference, and was the second highest total in Worcester State program history. She also led the Lancers with 30 caused turnovers this season. In a win over Gordon College on April 22, Arbec scored her lone point of the season, grabbing her first collegiate assist.
It is Arbec's second consecutive season being named MASCAC All-Conference. As a freshman last season, she was named to the Second Team All-Conference.
Brennan was Worcester State's leading goal-scorer among rookies this season, totalling 34 goals and two assists for 36 points. She ranked second on the Lancers in goals as well as draw controls (46) on the season. Brennan also accumulated solid totals of 37 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers during her rookie campaign.
Rounding out Worcester State's selections was first-time All-MASCAC honoree Austin, joining Arbec on the First Team. Austin was Worcester State's leader in every major offensive category in her junior season, with 39 goals and 25 assists for 64 points. She tied for second in the conference with 19 free position goals, while also scooping up 39 ground balls and causing 10 turnovers to chip in defensively.
The trio led Worcester State to an overall record of 11-6 in the 2019 season, and a spot in the MASCAC Semifinals.
The other major awards went to Offensive Player of the Year Victoria McDonough of Bridgewater State, and Coach of the Year James Rippey of Framingham State.
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