Awards aplenty for Carroll County girls lacrosse players, coach
USA Lacrosse recently handed out year-end awards for 2023.
Summertime can be about awards, and high school lacrosse is no different. USA Lacrosse recently doled out its annual All-America and Academic All-America honors for 2023. Let's see who from Carroll County earned some recognition.
(Carroll players and coaches are eligible in the Western Maryland District of USA Lacrosse.)
All-American
Jane Brewer, Century: The midfielder led the Knights in scoring with 65 points on 52 goals and 13 assists.
Shannon McTavish, South Carroll: The Cavaliers midfielder surpassed 100 career goals this spring and finished her senior year with 72 points (47 goals, 25 assists), good for 6th best in the county.
Emma Penczek, Manchester Valley: The sophomore midfielder led Carroll in scoring with 136 points (93 goals, 43 assists) and helped the Mavericks go 19-0 and win a state championship.
According to the USA Lacrosse website, an "All-American is a player who exhibits superior skills and techniques and possesses exceptional game sense and knowledge. A USA Lacrosse All-American is one of the best players in the United States, while also embodying excellent sportsmanship."
Academic All-American
Jenna Evans, Liberty: The senior midfielder collected 35 goals and 17 assists in helping the Lions go 16-1 and win the 1A state title for a 3rd year in a row.
Caroline Laur, South Carroll: The senior attacker finished the spring with 62 points on 44 goals and 18 assists, and was part of the Cavaliers' regional finalist squad.
Erin Herrold, Manchester Valley: MV's senior midfielder had 31 goals and 16 assists this spring and netted the game-winning goal vs. Glenelg in the regional final.
Riley Matthiesen, Liberty: The senior attacker compiled 85 points (52 goals, 33 assists), third most in the county, and helped the Lions to a third consecutive state crown.
USA Lacrosse says an "All-Academic honoree is a player who exhibits exemplary lacrosse skills, good sportsmanship on the field, and represents high standards of academic achievement in the classroom."
Jackie Pitts Award
This award recognizes one player from each area who goes "above and beyond" in service to her team, school, and community.
Riley Matthiesen, Liberty: Matthiesen added 62 draw controls and 21 groundballs for the state champs in 2023, and she's headed to East Carolina for Division I women's lacrosse.
Coach of the Year
Shelly Brezicki, Manchester Valley: Brezicki guided the Mavericks to a 19-0 record and the Class 2A state championship. Man Valley topped Middletown 15-7 on May 25 at Stevenson University. Brezicki is 168-45 all-time as Mavs coach.
I'll leave you with the Liberty and Manchester Valley segments from our Spring Sports Wrap-Up Show from June. Enjoy!