SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Susquehanna University senior defender Erin Powell has become the first Crusader to earn Division III All-American honors in women's lacrosse after earning third-team recognition from both the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) and 360Lacrosse.com.
Powell (Claymont, Del./Ursuline Academy), who was named an IWLCA Division III Metro Regional first-team All-American, helped the Crusaders to their first regular-season MAC title in program history as Susquehanna finished 6-1 in the league and 12-5 overall. The Crusaders fell to eight-time defending champion Drew 10-9 in triple overtime in the MAC championship game.
Powell, a three-time MAC first-team All-Star and the 2001 conference Most Valuable Player, started all 17 games on defense and led the team in caused turnovers (49) while ranking second on the squad in groundballs (84) and recording five assists. Her 2.88 caused turnovers per game tied her with Lycoming's Lauren Evangelist for the conference lead, while her 4.94 groundballs per game are third in the MAC.
Powell was part of a defense that ranks 16th in NCAA Division III in goals allowed per game (7.35 gapg) and kept its opponents under 10 goals in 11 of 17 games this season. For her career, Powell played in 60 games and scored 24 goals and 11 assists for 35 points while frequently matching up against the opponent's best offensive player.
