Kalata Named BIG EAST Defensive Player Of The Week
Apr 26 | Women's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (April 26, 2010) – Rutgers freshman goalkeeper Lily Kalata (Nesconset, N.Y.) was named the women’s lacrosse BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced Monday. The Scarlet Knights also returned to the latest national rankings, checking in at No. 19 in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association and 20th in the deBeer Women’s Media Top-20 Polls.
The Scarlet Knights earned an upset victory over then-No. 12 Notre Dame in exciting fashion, defeating the Irish 12-11 in overtime on a game-winning goal by senior attacker Brooke Cantwell (Moorestown, N.J.). Cantwell scored her team-leading eighth hat trick of the season in the win over ND.
Kalata totaled a career-high 17 saves to keep the Scarlet Knights close in a thrilling match against the Irish. With the game tied at 11-11, the freshman made a pair of saves with 25 seconds left in regulation. After Cantwell scored the deciding goal, Notre Dame continued to press for the tie, however, Kalata made a critical save in the closing minutes of the overtime period to thwart the Irish’s chances.
Kalata also grabbed six ground balls and caused one turnover. This is the second time this year Kalata has earned BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week accolades. She also earned the award on March 1 after RU defeated Temple and then-No. 20 Cornell.
The Scarlet Knights will return to Yurcak Field on Friday, April 30, when they host Louisville at 3 p.m. in BIG EAST action.
