McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team distributed its annual team awards on Thursday, May 2. Seventeen student-athletes received letters in recognition of their contributions to the team.

Senior Britney Maldonado was honored as the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player. Sophomore Sarah Riepe earned the Most Valuable Defensive Player award, and sophomore Devon Hanson was named Most Valuable Midfield.

Maldonado, a senior captain for the Titans in 2024, completed an impressive season with 124 points from 47 goals and 77 assists. She also recorded 21 caused turnovers and 24 ground balls. Maldonado leaves as the program's all-time leader in points per game and assists per game. Her senior year saw her achieve over 100 points, setting new records for points per game (7.29), assists (77), and assists per game (4.53). She was recognized as a First Team All-College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin selection and became the first player in league history to be named CCIW Offensive Player of the Week four times in one season. Additionally, she was the first in program history to receive the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III National Offensive Player of the Week award.

Riepe had a standout season defensively, earning First Team All-CCIW honors. Her performance included 36 caused turnovers, ranking fifth in program history, and she collected 44 ground balls while scoring four goals.

Hanson led the team with 78 draw controls and set records with her defensive play, including a program-record 50 caused turnovers.

Freshman Bri Steil and junior Bri Kiser were recognized as Most Improved players. Senior Hannah Trousdale received the Heart of a Titan award for her contributions on and off the field.

Steil contributed one goal, one assist, along with 17 ground balls and four caused turnovers during her freshman year. Kiser stepped into an unfamiliar role as goalie for part of the season, achieving five wins with 103 saves.

Trousdale concluded her career having played in 63 games for Illinois Wesleyan. She was acknowledged with a CCIW RESPECT Award and was a finalist for IWU's Jason Jones True Titan Award at this year's Senior Banquet.

Illinois Wesleyan finished its season with a winning record of 9-8 overall and tied for second place at 4-2 in CCIW standings. The team's captains were Maldonado, Trousdale, and junior Mallory Mills.

Seventeen players received letters for their participation during the season; fifteen are expected to return next year.