Women's Tewaaraton Stock Watch: Surging Emma Ward Playing Like a Finalist

Flashy, dynamic offense was the theme among Top 20 teams last weekend. From Notre Dame’s well-rounded upset of North Carolina to Boston College’s Belle Smith and Jenn Medjid combining for 14 points against Pitt, it was a weekend filled with creative goal-scoring.

But let’s not forget about the playmakers who made it all happen. Syracuse’s Emma Ward, new to the Tewaaraton Award Stock Watch top five, combined with Meaghan Tyrrell for nine assists against ACC foe Virginia. A visionary behind the cage, Northwestern’s Erin Coykendall chipped in a game-high four assists against Penn State.

These players and several others ranked in this week’s Tewaaraton Award Stock Watch have been racking up assists all season long, executing when it counts the most.

1. Izzy Scane, A, Northwestern

Over halfway through the season, no defense has been able to effectively lock down Scane. The nation’s leader in goals, Scane continued her hot streak with six more against Penn State. Unable to play due to injury a year ago, the Michigan native has returned every bit the force she was in 2021 — and then some. She’s notably been a contributor in transition, too. With 60 goals through 10 games, Scane is on pace to break the Division I single-season record of 103, set last year by Abby Hormes of High Point.

2. Meaghan Tyrrell, A, Syracuse

Tyrrell has been clutch in every regard, dishing assists or scoring crafty, close-up goals. She impressed against Virginia with six goals and three assists, powering the Orange to a 21-9 victory. Tyrrell has totaled 37 goals and 38 assists, securing her place as the nation’s points leader. Keep an eye on Tyrrell as the Orange look for a victory against upstart Clemson this weekend.

3. Jenn Medjid, A, Boston College

Medjid enters the top five this week after two outstanding offensive performances. With six goals against Dartmouth and seven against Pitt, Medjid was key to the Eagles’ victories. Boston College has been on the rebound after losing to Denver three weeks ago, going 3-0 in large part because of Medjid’s offensive efforts. She leads the Eagles with 45 goals and 16 assists through 11 games.

4. Emma Ward, A, Syracuse

Perhaps the top playmaker in the country, Ward has been key behind the cage for the Orange. She ranks among the top five nationally in assists — posting six against Virginia. After a breakout freshman campaign in 2021, Ward sat out 2022 with a torn ACL. Her 2023 has been exciting to watch, as the Long Island native has powered Syracuse’s offense to new heights and a historic 13-0 start.

5. Belle Smith, M, Boston College

Dynamic on both sides of the field, Smith has played a crucial role alongside Medjid. She notched a combined six goals and four assists in victories over Dartmouth and Pitt, in addition to racking up four draw controls. Smith has been a spark plug on attack and a fierce defensive presence as well, totaling 11 caused turnovers and 22 ground balls this year. Look out for Smith this weekend as Boston College takes on Notre Dame, which is fresh off an upset of North Carolina.

Next five: Ellie Masera, M, Stony Brook; Erin Coykendall, A, Northwestern; Isabella Peterson, A, James Madison; Alecia Nicholas, G, North Carolina; Meghan Ball, D, Rutgers
Five to monitor: Trinity McPherson, D, Denver; Jackie Wolak, A, Notre Dame; Sam Thacker, D, Denver; Madison Taylor, A, Northwestern; Delaney Sweitzer, G, Syracuse