MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - Women's lacrosse has stormed the All-SAA ballots this season with a total of nine Vikings earning the title of all-conference, highlighted by freshman midfielder Maddie Dahl who took home Newcomer of the Year and All-SAA First Team honors.
Dahl has solidified herself as the tone setter of the Viking lineup. The Lexington, Virginia, native dropped in 11 goals and 4 assists offensively this season. Defensively, Maddie was dominant as well with 17 caused turnovers and 18 groundballs on the year. Despite Dahl's offensive and defensive abilities, her trademark came in the midfield as a draw control specialist, earning an eye-opening 117 draw controls in just her freshman season, putting her on pace for a historic career in a Viking uniform.
Star junior Dani Taraska continues to impress the SAA this season with her third consecutive First Team All-SAA nod. Taraska gathered 41 goals and 19 assists to lead the Vikings with a total of 60 points. Not only did Taraska lead the charge offensively for Berry, she also was active defensively, notching a team-high 51 caused turnovers. The three-time All-SAA performer led the SAA in caused turnovers per game with 3 per game. Dani was also a force as a draw control specialist with 86 on the year.
Attacker Molley Cross has earned all-conference recognition for the third time in her career with an All-SAA Second Team selection. The offensive specialist paced the Viking offense with 24 goals and a team-leading 25 assists, including four crucial assists in a huge 17-13 win over Centre. The Alpharetta, Georgia, native also was productive defensively with 11 caused turnovers and 11 ground balls on the year.
Midfielder Katie Claire Smith was lights out as a goal generator with 37 on the year to go with five assists. The standout junior was everywhere the Vikings needed her to be this season, racking up 33 ground balls, 16 caused turnovers, and 42 draw controls. Katie's best game this season was against Centre when she led the team with five goals.
Freshman Katherine Herrero made her mark as a defensive force with Second Team All-SAA recognition from her defensive position. Herrero brought in 31 caused turnovers, stifling every defense she faced in conference play. The Orlando, Florida, native also contributed 19 ground balls as an essential piece of the Viking defense.
Junior defender Sydney Howard was named to the All-SAA Second Team as a huge contributor to the Berry defensive unit. Howard regularly took on the challenge of shading the opposing team's best offensive player, shutting them down, and breaking the opposing team's offensive rhythm. The Canton, Georgia, native caused 28 turnovers and scooped up 34 ground balls to round out her regular season performances.
Sophomore goalkeeper Myskina Bolavong was dominant this season as an anchor of the Berry defense, earning a spot on the All-SAA Second Team. Between the pipes, Bolavong accumulated 126 saves, including a game-altering overtime save against Oglethorpe that resulted in a Viking win.
Sophomore defender Elisabeth Vickrey earned All-SAA Honorable Mention after impressing the conference with 17 caused turnovers and 25 ground balls. The Westlake, Texas, native doubled her totals from the previous season as she continues to become a perennial threat defensively.
Senior AnnaKate Estock was named to the SAA All-Sportsmanship Team for her passion and undying support of her teammates throughout the season.
