US LACROSSE MAGAZINE WELCOMES TAYLOR CUMMINGS AS A COLUMNIST FOR THE 2021 COLLEGE SEASON. A 2016 MARYLAND GRADUATE, CUMMINGS IS THE FIRST-EVER THREE-TIME TEWAARATON AWARD WINNER, A MEMBER OF TEAM USA AND THE HEAD COACH AT MCDONOGH (MD.) HIGH SCHOOL.

Welcome to my new column, everyone —Taylor’s Takes.

You may or may not know this about me, but I love the women’s game with all of my heart. The speed of play, the finesse of the stick work and the never-ending competition are just a few of the many reasons why this game is so incredible. Since graduating from the University of Maryland in 2016, I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines more and more, which has given me the opportunity to witness firsthand just how unbelievable the current generation of collegiate players truly is.

Each and every week for the remainder of the collegiate season, we will be going on a deep dive together as I highlight the sport’s top players and hottest teams. The level of talent is unreal this season, so choosing the best players and the top 10 teams each week will be difficult, but I’m always up for a challenge!

With that being said, let’s take a look at this week’s takes …

Taylor’s Top Players

Asa Goldstock, Syracuse

Goldstock had a nearly flawless game against Stony Brook this past weekend, making 11 saves (.647 save percentage) in a huge top-five matchup in the Carrier Dome. With offensive leader Emily Hawryschuk out due to injury, Goldstock stepped up — just as a veteran player should — and led the Syracuse defense as it held a talented Stony Brook offense to just six goals. What I love most about watching Goldstock play is the composure she brings to a very fast-paced and aggressive Syracuse defense. She is calm in every defensive possession and is as reliable as ever.

Emma Trenchard, North Carolina

Where Emma Trenchard stands out on the field may not always show up in a box score at the end of the game. Her stat lines from UNC’s two games this weekend were absolutely solid — three ground balls and two caused turnovers against Vanderbilt and one ground ball and one caused turnover against Duke. However, what doesn’t show up on paper about Emma is actually what is most vital to her and UNC’s continued success this season. Her crisp slides, constant communication, grit on the draw circle and ability to spark transition from the defensive end are what make Emma a threat all over the field.

Zoe Lawless, Colorado

Zoe Lawless with the accuracy and an emphatic stick toss - one of her three goals as @CUBuffsWLax upsets Denver 14-7. pic.twitter.com/phbS3IJkrZ

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) February 28, 2021

The first lacrosse highlight on my Twitter feed Monday morning was of Colorado’s Zoe Lawless as she hit one of her three goals against Denver Sunday afternoon. Lawless saw a defender shift up to ball, slipped herself behind the slide, caught and shot a rip into the top-right corner. The key to beating a zone defense is reading the slides, understanding the timing of cuts and constant communication amongst the seven players on offense. Simply put, it’s all about lacrosse IQ, and Lawless is a strong player who used her mind just as much as her height and quick feet to maneuver her way through Denver’s zone defense with ease. She was vital to Colorado’s upset win over the Pioneers with her three goals and two assists.

Izzy Scane, Northwestern

There isn’t much that Izzy Scane can’t do right now. Her stat line through the weekend was mighty impressive again with 11 goals, two assists, four ground balls and one caused turnover against Johns Hopkins in their doubleheader matchup. Right now, Scane is the ultimate threat on offense for Northwestern because she’s able to attack a defense in multiple ways. If she isn’t dodging hard to cage, she’s setting on-ball picks or cutting and creating space for her teammates to find success. Scane’s lacrosse IQ has continued to grow into her junior year, and with that comes better decision-making and a deadly ability to break down opposing teams and their gameplans.

Ali Baiocco, Stanford

It only took one game for Ali Baiocco to set a new record at Stanford. Her eight goals (on eleven total shots) not only landed her atop the record books but helped seal a victory for the Cardinal against UC Davis. Baiocco proved that she is undoubtedly a lethal finisher and also a well-rounded player, as she contributed three ground balls and one assist in the Sunday victory. A veteran leader for this Stanford team, Ali’s experience and poise will be relied on heavily as they look to go deep into the NCAA tournament in May.

Emma Ward, Syracuse

Freshman Emma Ward from Syracuse was so impressive to me in Saturday’s win against Stony Brook. Her poise, field vision and overall confidence in her skill set and her team are rare traits to find in a freshman, especially one so early into her first collegiate season. Ward was able to dissect Stony Brook’s shifting zone, find lanes and feed cutters with ease. I look forward to many more years of watching her compete and make our game better. 

Taylor’s Top 10 Teams

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