NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Following one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Carroll University women's lacrosse team was rewarded with a sweep of the conference's top honors and eight All-CCIW selections, highlighting the depth and dominance behind the Pioneers' championship run.
Carroll finished the regular season 14–2 overall and a perfect 5–0 in CCIW play, capturing back-to-back conference regular season titles. The Pioneers led the league offensively and defensively, averaging 15.1 goals per game while allowing just 6.3, outscoring opponents 242–100 over the course of the season.
Junior attacker Elizabeth Wang was named the CCIW Offensive Student-Athlete of the Year after a standout season at the center of Carroll's attack. Wang played in all 16 games, leading the team with 56 goals and 26 assists for 82 points while adding three game-winning goals. She ranked among the conference leaders in goals and points and consistently delivered in key moments during Carroll's undefeated conference slate.
On the defensive end, Grace Tumilty earned CCIW Co-Defensive Student-Athlete of the Year honors after anchoring one of the league's top defensive units. Tumilty stuffed the stat sheet throughout the season, recording a team-high 83 ground balls and an impressive 68 caused turnovers, while also contributing a goal and an assist. Her ability to disrupt opposing offenses and win possession played a major role in Carroll's defensive success.
First-year midfielder Paige Helms was recognized as the CCIW First-Year Student-Athlete of the Year following an immediate impact season. Helms appeared in all 16 games, scoring 37 goals and adding 10 assists for 47 points. She also led the team with 69 draw controls, giving Carroll consistent possession advantages while contributing on both ends of the field.
Carroll's success extended to the sideline as well, as the program, led by 12th year head coach Michael Hodge, earned CCIW Coaching Staff of the Year honors after guiding the Pioneers to an unbeaten conference campaign and a second straight regular season championship.
Five Pioneers earned All-CCIW First Team recognition. In addition to Wang and Tumilty, senior attacker Sierra Skack was named to the First Team after posting 37 goals and 34 assists for 71 points, ranking second on the team in scoring. Midfielder Samantha Hurd earned First Team honors after contributing 15 goals, five assists, 27 ground balls, and 61 draw controls, providing consistency and versatility across the field.
Between the pipes, goalkeeper Devon Duym rounded out Carroll's First Team selections. Duym appeared in 15 games, finishing the season with a 12–1 record, a 5.64 goals-against average, and 66 saves, anchoring a Carroll defense that ranked among the best in the conference.
Three additional Pioneers were named to the All-CCIW Second Team, including attacker Elaina Phaneuf, who scored 36 goals and totaled 41 points across 16 games. Helms also received Second Team honors to go along with her first-year award, while defender Teah Rupp earned recognition after a strong season on the back line that included 30 ground balls and 22 caused turnovers.
With balanced scoring, defensive control, and consistent execution throughout the lineup, Carroll led the conference in goals, assists, draw controls, caused turnovers, and clearing percentage during the regular season. The extensive list of conference honors reflects the depth of Carroll's roster and underscores the program's continued rise within NCAA Division III women's lacrosse.
