March 6, 2012
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State senior Dana Cahill (Towson, Md.) and freshman Maggie McCormick (Eldersburg, Md.) have been recognized with American Lacrosse Conference weekly honors for their standout performances in the Nittany Lions' decisive 14-7 home win over No. 6 Virginia last weekend.
Cahill was named ALC Defensive Player of the Week for the third time in her career while McCormick received her first-ever ALC Rookie of the Week accolade. McCormick also earned national recognition for her stellar play, as she was selected as WomensLax.com's Rookie of the Week.
Cahill anchored a superb team defensive effort versus Virginia. The reigning ALC Goalkeeper of the Year recorded nine saves, including stopping three of the UVa's four free position attempts. She saved the Cavaliers' first two shots, setting the stage as the Nittany Lions began the game on a 6-0 run. Through five games, Cahill has compiled an 8.40 goals against average and her save percentage of .536 ranked No. 6 in the nation.
McCormick headlined the Penn State attack versus the Cavaliers, recording a game-high six points. She scored two goals, both in the second half, helping the Nittany Lions maintain their lead and stem any comeback attempt made by the Cavaliers. McCormick, who has had at least two assists in four of five games this season, registered a season-high four assists versus UVa, connecting with teammate Molly Fernandez (Baltimore, Md.) on three goals. A starter of all five games this season, McCormick leads Penn State in points (18) and assists (11). Her 11 assists are tied for eighth in the NCAA.
McCormick's ALC honor marks the second consecutive week that a Nittany Lion has won the rookie award. Tatum Coffey (Toms River, N.J.) was honored on February 27 for totaling six goals, seven draw controls, two ground balls, and one caused turnover in victories over Duquesne and Lafayette.
The Nittany Lions will wrap up a two-game home stand on Wednesday, March 7 when they host Loyola (Md.) (1-2) in a 4 p.m. non-conference clash at Penn State Lacrosse Field.