Elon University women’s lacrosse goalie Rachel Ramirez, a freshman from Lindenhurst, N.Y., has been named the Atlantic Sun's Women's Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week for the third time this season. This marks the fourth time an Elon player has claimed a player of the week honor.
“What stands out about Rachel is her style of play where she does make the big save and an interception or two every game,” Elon head coach Josh Hexter said. “You’re not going to get those awards if you don’t have the stats and she’s getting saves.”
Ramirez has started and played every minute of every game between the pipes this season for the Phoenix and been the backbone of the defense.
“Our defenders are playing better as a team because there is a lot of trust back there,” Hexter said. “They know that Rachel is going to make these saves and we’re playing a more sound defense because of that.”
In the last two games, Ramirez racked up 21 saves for the Phoenix, earning a 58.3 save percentage. She also picked up nine ground balls and caused five turnovers in Elon's last two games.
She recorded her fifth win of the season with the team’s victory over Presbyterian College last week in which she only gave up four goals. In that game, the freshman also tallied seven saves, earning a 63.6 save percentage.
“She plays her angles exceptionally well and makes it hard for people to score,” Hexter said. “She makes most of the saves she’s supposed to and has an uncanny ability to make the big save.”
In Elon’s most recent game against High Point University, the Panthers heavy offensive pressure proved to be too much for the Phoenix defense. But, Ramirez played an impressive game in net, facing 30 shots from the attack and recording 14 saves to finish the game with a 56.0 save percentage. Ramirez came up with professional level saves that kept Elon in the game and proved to be a powerful force in the back.
“If you look at our game against High Point, which is a very fast and athletic team, for us to hold them to a 3-point game with 12 minutes remaining is exciting,” Hexter said. “For us to be in that game with a chance to win is in large part due to Rachel. And that’s also a credit to our entire defense.”
As the Phoenix head into its next game against conference rival Kennesaw State University, the team will continue to look to Ramirez to keep the defense tight and running smoothly. Elon will face the Owls in its final home game of the season at 1 p.m. April 13 in Rhodes Stadium.