Women's Tewaaraton Stock Watch: The Early Favorites

After the first weekend of women’s college lacrosse, only one thing is certain about the race for the Tewaaraton Award: there will be a first-time winner. With Charlotte North departing the college game, the field is wide open — and several players have already begun to state their cases.

Non-conference play is only just beginning to heat up, but the opening weekend featured plenty of dynamic performances. Two offensive heavyweights — Izzy Scane and Meaghan Tyrrell –– took the field against each other as Syracuse defeated Northwestern in a 16-15 thriller. Boston College and North Carolina revealed what their new-look attacks look like after the graduations of North and Jamie Ortega, respectively.

The season is young, but the stars are already beginning to align. Here’s a look at the top five players to watch in the Tewaaraton Award race as the season gets underway.

1. Caitlyn Wurzburger, A, North Carolina

Wurzburger started her career at UNC playing alongside the likes of Ortega, Scottie Rose Growney and Ally Mastroianni. Now, with the graduation of these legendary attackers, Wurzburger looks to come into her own as a leader in Chapel Hill. She kicked off the 2023 season with two goals and three assists against James Madison and now ranks 10th in all-time career assists at UNC. Expect even greater things as Wurzburger anchors the Tar Heels’ attack this season.

2. Belle Smith, M, Boston College

Like Wurzburger, Smith has big shoes to fill. The Long Island native is now the face of Boston College’s offense. A 2022 USA Lacrosse Magazine first-team All-American, Smith looks to build on a dynamic sophomore season during which she tallied 55 goals and 28 assists. She had a dynamic outing against USC on Saturday, tallying three goals, one assist and two ground balls.

3. Izzy Scane, A, Northwestern

Scane was a force in 2021. She totaled 98 goals, broke scoring records at Northwestern and powered the Wildcats to their second straight Final Four. Sidelined by an ACL injury in 2022, Scane is back and led the Wildcats with seven points (5G/2A) against Syracuse in Saturday’s marquee matchup.

4. Meaghan Tyrrell, A, Syracuse

The only returning 2022 Tewaaraton Award finalist, Tyrrell certainly looked the part Saturday. She tallied two goals, including the Orange’s final score, and a career-high six assists against Northwestern. In a matchup of blue bloods, Tyrrell led the field with eight points — good for IWLCA Player of the Week honors. A key cog for the Orange in 2021 and 2022, Tyrrell is poised to lead a resurgent (and healthy) Syracuse attack.

5. Emily Sterling, G, Maryland

Sterling’s many accolades don’t fully capture what a major role she has played for the Terrapins. In 2022, she led the nation in goals against average, ranked second in save percentage and powered the Terrapins to the NCAA semifinals. She’s already begun to build on her dominant 2022 campaign, recording eight saves in 49 minutes against Saint Joseph’s on Saturday. Expect Sterling to continue to make headlines while powering Maryland’s defense in 2023.

Next five: Sarah Reznick, G, Florida; Ellie Masera, M, Stony Brook; Kasey Choma, M, Notre Dame; Jenn Medjid, A, Boston College; Maddie Jenner, A/Draw, Duke