University Park, Pa. — Junior goalkeeper Stephanie Ellis (Bryn Mawr, Pa.) and freshman midfielder Theresa Zichelli (Severna Park, Md.) have been recognized with weekly honors by the American Lacrosse Conference for their standout performances in Penn State's key 13-9 win over Ohio State on Sunday at Jeffrey Field.
Ellis was named ALC Defensive Player of the Week while Zichelli was honored as ALC Rookie of the Week. For Ellis, the award is her second of the season and marks the third time that a Nittany Lion has earned recognition after junior Margo Josephs (Reisterstown, Md.) won on March 2 for her defensive efforts in wins over Bucknell and Colgate. Zichelli's honor is the first of her young career.
Ellis anchored the Penn State defense in its upset of the 13th-ranked Buckeyes, helped put the clamps on one of the nation's most potent offenses. The junior recorded nine saves against 22 shots while limiting Ohio State to nine goals, including just one in the first half. Ellis also lead the team in ground balls with four and in caused turnovers with two.
Zichelli fueled the Penn State attack versus Ohio State. She netted a team best and career high three goals, including a key score late in the second half that halted a Buckeye comeback attempt. In just her second start as a Nittany Lion, Zichelli also added one draw control and one caused turnover. Seeing playing time in all 14 games this season, she ranks fifth of the team with 15 goals.
This weekend, the Nittany Lions will travel to Baltimore, Md. to take on Johns Hopkins in a pivotal ALC match-up, set for 1 p.m. on Sat., April 25 at the home of the Blue Jays, Homewood Field. The outcome of the game, along with Wednesday's Northwestern-Ohio State contest, will have a major impact on seeding for the upcoming 2009 ALC Championship, which Penn State will host from May 30-April 2 at Jeffrey Field.