Two Pacers Receive Major Awards, Seven Named All-Conference

Haddonfield, N.J.- The Atlantic East Conference announced the Women's Lacrosse All-Conference teams and major awards on Thursday. The All-Conference teams are voted on by the league's head coaches.

The now four-time First Team All-Conference selection, Avery Meighan, was named the 2026 women's lacrosse Player of the Year. Meighan led the conference with 64 goals this year, averaging 3.56 per game, second best in the conference. Her average of 4.67 ground balls per game was a conference best, landing second in the conference for caused turnovers per game (2.61) and draw controls per game (6.94).

This season, Meighan recorded eight points in three different games, highlighted by a nine-point performance against Lycoming in February. She totaled 105 points, 15th best in the nation, from 64 goals and 41 assists. Additionally, the Floral Park, N.Y. native scooped up 84 ground balls, caused 47 turnovers, and won 125 draw controls.

Danica Kelly was tabbed Rookie of the Year following an impressive freshman campaign in which she started all 18 games for the Pacers. She scored 36 goals, averaging two per game. Kelly dished out 10 assists to bump her total points up to 46 this spring, an average of 2.56 points per game. The Binghamton, N.Y. native scooped up 32 ground balls and caused 11 turnovers, helping Marywood secure the second seed for postseason play.

Natalie Yilanjian earned her second First Team All-Atlantic East honor after a stellar senior season. The Sellersville, Pa. native scored 50 goals and added 11 assists while also collecting 25 ground balls and winning 18 draw controls.

Kaitlyn Smith capped her collegiate career with her third First Team All-Atlantic East selection. She started all 18 games, tallying 57 goals and 58 assists. Smith also won 119 draw controls, ranking third in the conference.

Felicia Pescatore rounded out the first team honorees. The junior defender appeared in 17 games with 16 starts, recording 36 ground balls and causing 12 turnovers.

Alivia Backes earned her first career all-conference recognition with a Second Team All-Atlantic East selection. She scored 13 goals and added four assists in nine games played.

Jenna Scala completed the list of all-conference recipients with a Second Team All-Atlantic East nod at goalkeeper. The Pompton Lakes, N.J. native played every game this season, making 75 saves while posting an 8.44 goals-against average and an 8-4 record.

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Players Mentioned

#5 Avery Meighan: M; 5' 6"; Senior

#8 Felicia Pescatore: D; 5' 3"; Junior

#23 Jenna Scala: G; 5' 4"; Junior

#9 Kaitlyn Smith: M; 5' 7"; Senior

#27 Natalie Yilanjian: A; 5' 9"; Senior

#14 Danica Kelly: A; Freshman

#26 Alivia Backes: M/A; 5' 6"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#5 Avery Meighan
: 5' 6"; Senior
: M

#8 Felicia Pescatore
: 5' 3"; Junior
: D

#23 Jenna Scala
: 5' 4"; Junior
: G

#9 Kaitlyn Smith
: 5' 7"; Senior
: M

#27 Natalie Yilanjian
: 5' 9"; Senior
: A

#14 Danica Kelly
: Freshman
: A

#26 Alivia Backes
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: M/A