The USA Lacrosse Players of the Week recognize the most outstanding individual performances in high school girls’ lacrosse in each of the four active regions — Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and West — outlined in our high school coverage. The South Region has completed play and is not considered this week. Games are considered from the previous Monday through Sunday.
NORTHEAST
Devon Russell, New Canaan (Conn.)
In the latest chapter of what has been an epic rivalry between girls lacrosse superpowers, Devon Russell shined brightest in the FCIAC championship game.
The Boston College-bound senior had two goals and, perhaps more importantly, seven draw controls to help lead New Canaan (Conn.) to a 7-2 win over Darien (Conn.) as the Rams celebrated a third FCIAC title in the last four years.
Russell, who garnered MVP honors, scored both of her goals, and won six draws, in the decisive third quarter, as New Canaan broke open a one-goal game with five unanswered.
“Devon is a tremendous athlete and competitor,” New Canaan coach Kristin Woods said. “She dominated the draw controls, played tenacious defense and finished her shots with precision. Her leadership and relentless effort led her teammates to an FCIAC championship.”
Also notable: Tess Calabria, St. Anthony’s (N.Y.); Rowan Edson, Horace Greeley (N.Y.); Michaela Fay, Suffern (N.Y.); Haley Mario, Amity (Conn.); Jenna Obloj, West Islip (N.Y.); Brenna Romanello, New Fairfield (Conn.)
— Dylan Butler
MID-ATLANTIC
Quinn Whitaker, Episcopal (Pa.)
In their regular-season meeting with Agnes Irwin (Pa.), Whitaker was held to an assist as the Owls swept Episcopal to tie for the Inter-Ac League championship. Given one more chance against Agnes Irwin, Whitaker and the Churchwomen made the most of it. The junior scored six goals and had four draw controls as Episcopal snapped their losing streak to Agnes Irwin with a 9-6 win in the Pennsylvania Independent School Athletic Association title game. It’s the first PAISAA title for EA since 2016.
Whitaker, a Boston College commit (who had more to celebrate after her future squad won the national title Sunday), led the Churchwomen with 58 goals this year. She had 17 assists, tied for the team lead with Georgetown-bound Sydney Richter, 66 draw controls and 26 caused turnovers. She had a hat trick, three draw controls and two caused turnovers in their 15-6 PAISAA semifinal win over Germantown Academy to set up their final opportunity against AI.
Also notable: Olivia Bahamondes, Jefferson (N.J.); Chloe Bleckley, Archbishop Carroll (Pa.); Maria Bragg, Severna Park (Md.); Sienna Chirieleison, Trinity (Pa.); Lindsay D’Ambrogi, Cape Henlopen (Del.); Riley Devlin, Princeton High (N.J.); Blair Fox, Agnes Irwin (Pa.); Kamryn Henson, Glenelg High (Md.); Emily Javick, Notre Dame (N.J.); Ava Lambros, Fallston (Md.); Maggie Metz, Glenelg High (Md.); Anna Miller, Fallston (Md.); Lily Trout, Broadneck (Md.)
— Justin Feil