Big South Announces Women's Lacrosse Players of the Week - March 12
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (www.BigSouthSports.com) – Mercer midfielder Gabby DiVirgilio (Suwannee, Ga.) has been named the Big South Women’s Lacrosse Offensive Player of the Week, while Wofford goalkeeper Ella Smithers (Williamsville, NY) is the Defensive Player of the Week for matches played March 4-10, it was announced today. In addition, Mercer midfielder Ansley Walters (Canton, Ga.) has been named the Freshman of the Week.
DiVirgilio totaled 12 points on six goals and six assists in two contests last week. The senior opened with two goals on four shots against No. 20 Clemson, along with four ground balls. DiVirgilio then had a career-high 10-point game in Mercer's win over Coastal Carolina. Her six assists in the game are the second-most assists in a game for a Big South player this season and tied for the ninth most in the NCAA. Her 10 points are also tied for the ninth most points in a game by any Division I player in a game this season.
Smithers posted nine saves and picked up a win in cage in Wofford’s 16-15 win against Campbell, its first over the Fighting Camels in program history. Her ninth and final save came with 30 seconds remaining in the game to help the Terriers turn away Campbell’s final opportunity to extend the game and force overtime. She added two ground balls and finished with a .375 save percentage in all 60 minutes between the pipes.
Walters tallied four goals, four ground balls, three caused turnovers and six draw controls in two games for the Bears last week. She opened the week with a goal against a ranked Clemson team, along with two caused turnovers, one ground ball and one draw control. She followed up by scoring the first hat trick of her career in a 24-20 win over Coastal Carolina, while also adding a season-high five draw controls. The Canton, Ga. native has scored at least one goal in all five games this season.