Mennella, Murphy, Osborn Named USA Lacrosse Women's Players of the Week

Hofstra is off to a program-best 4-0 start, and much of the Pride’s success wouldn’t be possible without Nikki Mennella.

The redshirt sophomore has played in three games, and each one has resulted in gaudy numbers. On Saturday in a 17-11 win over Fairfield, Mennella went for a season-high five goals and three assists with 11 draw controls — also a season high. She also had two ground balls and two caused turnovers.

She has an even split of 12 goals and 12 assists this year with 21 draw controls.

Mennella has been named the CAA Offensive Player of the Week for two straight weeks.

DIVISION II

Paige Murphy, Emmanuel

She’s doing it again. Murphy, a sophomore attacker, scored eight goals in back-to-back victories over North Greenville and Mars Hill last week to raise her season total to 31 goals through four games. Murphy, averaging 7.75 goals and 8.8 draws per game, led the nation with 113 goals and 151 points last year, the most ever by a freshman.

DIVISION III

Grace Osborn, Capital

Osborn scored nine goals and contributed another four assists for her second consecutive game with 13 points in Capital’s victory over Berry. She also led the team with four ground balls, three caused turnovers and six draw controls. 

In the process, Osborn broke the NCAA Division III career points record. She also became the first player in history to score more than 400 goals.