SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Furman’s Grace Pollak and Meghan Deehan have been named the Southern Conference women’s lacrosse offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, after guiding the Paladins to a season-opening win over East Carolina on Friday. The awards are selected by the league office.

Pollak led the Furman attack, as the senior from Ellicott City, Maryland, scored five goals for five points in the 14-11 win over East Carolina. Pollak wasted little time, finding the back of the net just 25 seconds into the contest from a free-position attempt, her first of three free-position goals in the game. The Pirates pulled ahead to the lead midway through the first half before a pair of goals by Pollak gave the Paladins the lead with 7:47 left in the half and she hit for her fifth goal just over three minutes later. The Paladin attacker also recorded one caused turnover, one draw control and scooped up one ground ball in the win.
 
Deehan, making her first collegiate start, finished with six saves and one ground ball to earn her first collegiate victory. The freshman goalkeeper from Milton, Georgia, faced a total of 24 shots with 17 on goal. Deehan was strong between the pipes in the second half as she held the Pirates scoreless for a stretch of almost 19 minutes, allowing Furman to stretch its lead to six goals and seal the win.
 
Furman (1-0) will host Fresno State in its next contest on Saturday, Feb. 15, with opening draw set for noon.
 
Other offensive nominees: Taryn McManus (Detroit Mercy) and Hailey Rhatigan (Mercer).
 
Other defensive nominees: Michaela Lucas (Mercer).
 
2020 Southern Conference Women’s Lacrosse Players of the Week
Offense
Feb. 11 Grace Pollak, Furman
 
Defense
Feb. 11 Meghan Deehan, Furman