Wingate's Kendall Wells and Leah Knowles Named NCAA DII National Women's Lacrosse Players of the Week

Story Courtsey of Wingate Athletic Communications

Northborough, Mass.----The Wingate University Bulldogs swept the National Player of the Week awards, presented by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Association (IWLCA). Graduate student attack Kendall Wells is the National Offensive Player of the Week, while sophomore midfield Leah Knowles has been named the National Defensive Player of the Week. Both players earn national Player of the Week accolades for the first time in their careers.

"We are so proud of Kendall and Leah's IWLCA Player of the Week awards," head coach Abby Wiley says. "This is a very well-deserved award to two players who always go above and beyond, giving 100 percent effort at all times."

The duo led Wingate to an impressive 18-16 victory over Belmont Abbey Saturday, as the Bulldogs moved to 2-0 on the season. Wingate avenged last season's home loss against the Crusaders with Saturday's victory. The Bulldogs have now won their last four games dating back to the end of the 2020 season, piling up 70 goals in that stretch with at least 17 goals in every contest.

Wells piled up three goals and four assists to lead the offensive attack. The all-time leader in SAC history in career goals, her four assists on Saturday were a career high. It is the 18th time in her illustrious career Wells has notched at least five points in a game.

Wingate trailed 7-6 in the first half before back-to-back Wells goals put the Bulldogs on top. She then had a goal and two assists in a huge second-half run that turned the two-goal lead into a five-goal cushion, with her goal with 8:20 left making it 17-12.

Knowles was all over the field on Saturday afternoon, piling up game highs of seven draw controls, six ground balls and four caused turnovers. She also contributed two goals and an assist to the offensive effort. The sophomore has registered at least three points in each of her last four games, piling up 19 points in that stretch.

Knowles had the assist on the Wells goal that put the 'Dogs on top 17-12. The sophomore then found the back of the net with 3:19 to go to put Wingate on top 18-13. Knowles has also registered 21 draw controls, nine ground balls and seven caused turnovers over her last four games.

Wells leads the Bulldogs with six goals, four assists and 10 points this season. She has scored a SAC-best 180 goals in her career, adding 41 assists to rank fourth all-time with 221 career points. Wells is one of only four players in league history with over 200 points. Knowles leads the team with 10 draw controls this season, ranking second in ground balls and caused turnovers and third in points, collecting three goals and three assists.

Wingate has two weeks off before traveling to Limestone to open SAC play against the #13 Saints at 12 p.m. The 'Dogs then return home to host UVA Wise Saturday, March 6 at 12 p.m. before traveling to queens to face the #4 Royals at 4 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.