RICHMOND, Va. – Elon junior defender Eliza Ritter was named CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Monday as the conference released its weekly women's lacrosse awards.  

 

Ritter anchored an Elon defense that allowed just 12 goals across wins over VCU and William & Mary. The junior caused a team-high seven turnovers in the two victories, with three coming at VCU and four in a CAA victory over the Tribe. Ritter also scooped five ground balls, tied with Mimi Economus for the most among Elon field players in the two games.  

 

Ritter and the Phoenix limited William & Mary to just four goals, the fewest Elon has allowed in any game since 2021 and the fewest in a CAA game since 2017. The Phoenix defense also allowed just 11 shots by the Tribe, the fewest in a game by an Elon opponent since 2019. Ritter forced four of Elon's season-best 17 caused turnovers against the Tribe and helped the Phoenix hold William & Mary scoreless for 43 minutes of game time from the first quarter into the fourth.   

 

Elon has held three of its first four conference opponents to single-digit goals this season. Ritter's eight caused turnovers in CAA play are tied with Economus for the most on the Phoenix. Ritter has caused three-plus turnovers in two of Elon's last three conference games. 

 

The weekly award is the first of Ritter's career. She shared the honor with Stony Brook sophomore defender Hailey Huebner.  

 

Ritter and the Phoenix return to the field Friday for a road game at Campbell. Opening draw in Buies Creek is scheduled for 4 p.m. 

 

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