Annie Plotts named IWLCA National Player of the Week

STORY COURTESY OF WINGATE COMMUNICATIONS & IWLCA COMMUNICATIONS

Northborough, Mass.----After a record-breaking performance in Saturday's victory, Wingate University sophomore attack Annie Plotts has been named the NCAA Division II National Offensive Player of the Week by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Association (IWLCA), officials announced Tuesday afternoon. Plotts earn National Player of the Week accolades for the first time in her career.

Plotts is already the third Bulldog to earn national recognition from the IWLCA this season. Kendall Wells earned National Offensive Player of the Week honors on Feb. 16, while Leah Knowles picked up Defensive Player of the Week accolades that same day.

Plotts filled up the stat sheet in historic fashion Saturday, leading Wingate to a 16-13 win over UVA Wise as the 'Dogs improved to 3-1 on the season. The sophomore had six goals and four assists on the afternoon, while piling up 14 draw controls and four ground balls. The 14 draw controls are a new school record, while the 10 points tie a school record.

Plotts scored or assisted on the first four goals of the day as the Bulldogs raced out to a 4-0 lead over the Cavs less than four minutes in. Her fourth goal of the day with 14:05 left in the first half put Wingate on top 7-3. Plotts had the assist on Wingate's first two goals of the second half, then scored the next two goals for the 'Dogs to make it 14-9.

Plotts leads a balanced Wingate attack with 12 goals and six assists this season, registering a team-best 18 points. She plays a huge role in an offensive attack that ranks fourth nationally in assists per game and shot percentage, sixth in points per game and 10th in scoring offense. Plotts ranks third in the SAC in assists and fourth in points.

The Bulldogs have a big week ahead, traveling to Queens Wednesday to take on the sixth-ranked Royals at 4 p.m. Wingate is back home Saturday, hosting Coker at 3 p.m.  

WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
A comprehensive, independent and growing university, Wingate serves more than 3,600 students in North Carolina. Founded in 1896, the University offers 37 undergraduate majors as well as graduate and professional programs. Wingate is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences. Wingate blends in-class exploration with out-of-class application to deliver an uncommon and life-changing educational experience.
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past 13 years. Wingate is first in the 2000s among NCAA Division II and North Carolina's colleges and universities with 115 CoSIDA Academic All-America® selections. Wingate is tops among all SAC schools with 124 lifetime Academic All-America® honorees. For more information on WU athletics, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com. Current news and videos can be found at www.wingate.edu.