TAYLOR CUMMINGS IS A THREE-TIME TEWAARATON WINNER, A MEMBER OF TEAM USA AND THE HEAD COACH AT MCDONOGH (MD.) HIGH SCHOOL. "TAYLOR'S TAKES" IS PRESENTED BY GAIT LACROSSE. BE LEGENDARY.

This week of games had a common theme throughout — upsets!

There were some close battles and overtime victories, as well as some blowout games during the past seven days. And as a fan, I have to say, I love it. Over the past few years in particular, the competition level in Division I women’s lacrosse has grown tremendously. This is fantastic for the sport from player, coach and fan perspective because it means that the game is continuing to grow, teams are getting better each year and more and more programs are becoming true contenders for conference and national titles.

All in all, more competitive games equals more excitement, which means higher viewership and increased growth. YAY!

Let’s get to the top players of the week … and believe me, it was difficult to choose.

Taylor’s Top Players

Lizzie Colson, Maryland

Colson is one of the most exciting players to watch this season, in my opinion. She is so fast in transition. She is a lockdown defender who often marks an opponent’s top player. She is also the veteran leader on the defensive end for the Terps.

In Maryland’s games against Ohio State this weekend, Colson snagged nine ground balls, caused six turnovers and controlled 16 draws. Out of everything she does for the Terps, Lizzie is probably the most lethal on the draw circle. Colson is so quick off the line and has her nose in every 50-50 ball in the midfield. It often looks like her stick is six inches longer than everyone else’s because she seems to be everywhere at all times.

Kerri Clayton, Arizona State

Clayton was unstoppable in Arizona State’s first-ever win over USC on Friday night. With six goals and five assists, she led the Sun Devils’ offense with ease as they went on to score twenty goals on the night.

When watching Clayton play, it’s apparent that her lacrosse IQ is off the charts. She’s able to read defenses and slide packages easily and can adjust her game accordingly. Sometimes she will rip it top shelf from the 8-meter, and other times she will use slippery backdoor cuts to allude defenders. Kerri is most impressive with her feeding abilities, as she always keeps her head up and feet moving to hit her teammates in perfect stride.

Maddie Jenner, Duke

I coached Maddie throughout her club days, as well as at the end of her high school career at McDonogh, and I knew very early on that she would be a powerhouse at the draw in college. With her tall frame and versatility with ball placement, Jenner is frankly unbeatable in almost every matchup she faces.

In Duke’s statement win over Virginia on Friday night, she was able to secure 15 draws in addition to her three goals. Jenner was able to put Duke into an almost make-it-take-it scenario after each goal, giving the Blue Devils far more possession time than the Cavaliers and many additional opportunities to score (which they capitalized on). Her performance in the center circle is (and has been) vital to Duke’s success.

Shannon Kavanaugh, Florida

In a much-needed rebound victory for the Gators, Kavanaugh stepped up just like a veteran leader is expected to do. With five goals and one assist in addition to her three draws, two ground balls and three caused turnovers, Shannon was a force all over the field against Temple on Friday.

She is a do-it-all midfielder who Florida heavily relies on not only to produce in the box score, but to lead with her words and demeanor. Kavanaugh is a passionate player who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level and does a great job supporting her teammates along the way.

Jillian Rizzo, Ohio State

Rizzo was a brick wall in Ohio State’s doubleheader against Maryland this weekend. She saved 39 percent of shots faced on Thursday but improved to 58 percent on Saturday, combining for 20 saves over two games.

Rizzo practically stood on her head in the second matchup of the weekend and frustrated the Maryland shooters on every offensive possession. She was able to make key saves low and high and remained poised throughout the game thanks to her quick hands and ability to cut off shooting angles. If she keeps playing the way she did this weekend, Rizzo will make the Buckeyes a tough opponent for any team they face.

Taylor’s Top 10 Teams

1. North Carolina (9-0)
2. Syracuse (5-0)
3. Northwestern (7-0)
4. Boston College (5-1)
5. Notre Dame (4-2)
6. Stony Brook (6-2)
7. Maryland (5-1)
8. Virginia (7-2)
9. Duke (6-3)
10. Penn State (3-3)