March 5, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - After being named the WomensLax.com Player of the Week, sophomore midfielder Kelly Lechner (Silver Spring, Md.) has been tabbed the American Lacrosse Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the organization announced Tuesday.
In addition, the Nittany Lions climbed to No. 7 in the IWLCA poll as they secured their highest ranking since they were tabbed sixth during the 2007 season.
A Silver Spring, Md., native, Lechner recorded eight points (5g, 3a) as Penn State (3-1) dispatched Duquesne, 16-9, Feb. 27 before securing a 15-14 upset victory against the sixth-ranked Cavaliers March 3. Against Duquesne, the sophomore matched her career high with three goals, while also adding an assist, and collected a ground ball, draw control and caused turnover.
In the Nittany Lions' victory against Virginia, the Silver Spring, Md., native notched her second straight four-point game, which also matched a personal high. Lechner collected two goals and two assists, as well as five draw controls, two ground balls and a caused turnover.
The midfielder accumulated three second-half points (2g, 1a), including points on back-to-back markers as Penn State extended its lead to 14-12.
Lechner and the No. 7/9 Nittany Lions will return to action Wednesday, March 6 when they host James Madison. Opening draw at Holuba Hall is set at 4 p.m.