UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State women's lacrosse freshman Olivia Dirks was selected as Big Ten Midfielder of the Week on Tuesday. Dirks won her second Big Ten award of the season, adding to her Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award on February 23.
In Penn State's two-game series at No. 3 Northwestern, Dirks tallied a goal, an assist, two caused turnovers, a ground ball and an incredible 24 draw controls.
Last Thursday, Dirks assisted on a goal by Kara Nealon in the second half. She also picked up a ground ball and won 10 draw controls.
On Saturday, the Pennsylvania native recorded a goal in the second half, cutting to the middle to finish after a dish from Maria Auth. The second-year freshman also caused a turnover and won a career-high 14 draw controls. Dirks helped Penn State to win 20-of-32 draw controls, including 12-of-17 in the second half.
On the season, Dirks has tallied eight goals, two assists and 37 draw controls. Dirks has won at least 10 draw controls in three of four games this season.
Dirks ranks third in the country and leads the Big Ten averaging 9.25 draw controls per game. She also sits 26th in the nation and second in the Big Ten with 2.0 caused turnovers per game.
The Nittany Lions, led by Head Coach Missy Doherty, are 2-2 this season. Penn State is ranked No. 7 in both the IWLCA and Inside Lacrosse Polls.
Penn State ranks 10th in the nation in scoring offense (15.25 goals per game) and draw controls per game (15.75).
The Nittany Lions welcome No. 13 Michigan to Panzer Stadium this weekend. Friday's contest is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. on Big Ten Network+. Sunday's matchup will be broadcast on ESPNU at 10 a.m.
Follow along with the team on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateWomensLacrosse) and Twitter/Instagram (@pennstatewlax).
