Albion College was rewarded for qualifying for the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Women's Lacrosse Tournament by placing four Britons on the all-league team released Wednesday by Sheila Blackman, the league's director of media relations.
Albion's skill at all three levels of the field was recognized as Cait Gaitley (attack), Shannon Kahl (midfield) and Taylor Nelson (defense) all gained first team awards. Another midfielder, Lauren Wiegand, was placed on the all-MIAA second team.
"All four of these players have earned this distinction by being fantastic teammates over the last three years," Albion Head Coach Shanta Loecker said. "They have continually improved and made such a positive impact on our program. I commend them on being so committed to their team every day. They are truly an awesome bunch to coach."
Brief biographical information about the Britons gaining all-MIAA awards are listed below. All statistics are for league games only unless noted.
Gaitley, a junior who is gaining all-MIAA first team distinction for the second year in a row, led the MIAA with 42 goals and 45 points. The Grosse Pointe North High School product produced at least two goals in all eight league games, and had at least five in six of those contests. Her 57 goals for the entire season is tied for third most in a season at Albion.
Kahl, a junior who was an all-MIAA second team pick a year ago, was eighth on the MIAA scoring ladder with 30 points (17 goals and 13 assists). The Brighton, Mich., native also finished the regular season among the league leaders by controlling the draw 43 times and scooping 32 ground balls. She is third on Albion's all-time lists with 165 ground balls and 101 draw controls.
Nelson, a junior from Simi Valley, Calif., is gaining all-MIAA distinction for the second year in a row. In addition to causing 17 turnovers (putting her in a tie for fifth in the league), she controlled 23 draws, collected 19 ground balls and produced 26 points on 17 goals and nine assists. She was an all-region pick a year ago.
Wiegand, also from Brighton, Mich., is achieving all-MIAA distinction for the first time in her career. She was an all-around player for the Britons, placing second in the league with 30 goals, third with 38 points, fifth with 33 draw controls, and ninth with 26 ground balls.
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