William Smith College senior defender Caitie Baker was named the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Co-Defensive Player of the Week today. Baker was also named the Liberty League Defensive Performer of the Week yesterday.
Baker guided the Herons' defense that posted a 6.50 goals against average versus Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Union. She had five caused turnovers and five ground balls in the two victories. Baker had three caused turnovers against the Engineers. She followed that up with a season-high four ground balls and two caused turnovers in a win over the Garnet Chargers. A starter in all 16 games this season, Baker is second on the team with 26 caused turnovers and third on the team with 21 ground balls.
Baker and William Smith's defense is ranked 20th in the nation in scoring defense (6.88). They also play an instrumental role in the nation's top-ranked clearing unit (.932).
William Smith, which is ranked seventh in the IWLCA poll, will be back in action on Saturday, April 26. The Herons will head to Sparks, Maryland to take on sixth-ranked Washington and Lee. The opening draw is scheduled for Noon.