Caroline Messer of the top-ranked Middlebury women's lacrosse team has been honored as the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Defensive and NESCAC Player of the Week. The senior helped lead the Panthers to their third crown in the last four seasons and a league-leading 13th title with a 7-5 victory on Sunday over #4 Wesleyan.

HONOREE HIGHLIGHTS

• Messer was a factor for both opposing offenses during the NESCAC Semifinals and Championship bout.
• The defender logged four ground balls, three caused turnovers and a trio of draw controls in Middlebury's 13-8 victory over #11 Trinity during Saturday's contest. 
• Messer continued her role in the NESCAC Championship game against #4 Wesleyan, forcing three turnovers alongside three draw wins and two rollers to lead the team to the two-goal triumph. 
• The senior paces the team with 51 ground balls and 39 caused turnovers.
• Messer is a part of a backline that ranks third in Division III in scoring defense, allowing just 5.11 goals per game this spring.
• She secures the honor for the first time in her career.

Messer and the rest of the Panthers host NCAA Tournament First and Second Round games this weekend on Peter Kohn Field.