PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Senior goalkeeper Sophia Cardello was named IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week, announced Tuesday by the organization. It is the first nationally weekly recognition of Cardello's career and the first for Rutgers women's lacrosse since graduate student Cassidy Spilis earned IWLCA Offensive Player of the Week last April.

Cardello helped the Scarlet Knights defeat No. 7 Maryland, 9-8, last Saturday in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. The Massapequa, New York, native produced a season-high 15 saves, which included back-to-back stop in the final 15 seconds of the game to help RU advance to its fourth consecutive Big Ten Tournament semifinal. Cardello stopped 65 percent of Maryland's shots in the win and held the Terrapins to their lowest goal total of the season. Cardello also added three ground balls and a caused turnover during her standout performance.

In 17 games this season, Cardello is third in the Big Ten and 16^th nationally with a .470 save percentage. Cardello also ranks third in the conference with a 10.59 goals-against average and is fourth in saves (151) and saves per game (8.88).

No. 6 seed Rutgers continues postseason play with No. 2 seed Penn State the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Thursday, May 2 in Evanston, Illinois. First draw is set for 3:30 p.m. with a national broadcast on Big Ten Network.