Richmond, Va. – Following a record-breaking day in the draw circle, Elon University freshman MJ Santa Barbara has been named CAA Rookie of the Week. Santa Barbara is the second member of the Elon lacrosse program to earn the honor this year, joining Ana Lee Vandiver.
 
Santa Barbara led Elon to a 22-5 edge in draw controls in a 13-10 win at East Carolina Wednesday. The +17 advantage was the most lopsided total in Elon's 11-year history. Santa Barbara finished with 10 draw controls of her own and she ranks sixth in the country in draw controls with 9.33 per game. She is the nation's leading freshman by more than two draw controls per game (USC's Anna Regan is second at 7.17 per game). In just six games, Santa Barbara broke Elon's freshman record with 56 draw controls on the season and currently ranks fifth in a single-season regardless of class.
 
As a team, Elon ranks fifth in the country in draw control win percentage at .662, best in the CAA. The Phoenix improved to 4-2 on the season with the win over ECU, equaling the team's win total from 2023.
 
Elon returns to action Wednesday, playing at Virginia Tech at 1:00 p.m. The Hokies are 4-2 on the season and coming off a 20-7 loss to then-No. 1 Boston College Sunday. Elon's next home game with be a Triad rivalry game against High Point on Wednesday, March 13 at 5:00 p.m.