Women's Lacrosse Announces 2013 Award Winners at Banquet
October 15, 2013 | Women's Lacrosse
Oct. 15, 2013
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville women's lacrosse program held its annual banquet over the weekend, and head coach Kellie Young announced the Cardinals' 2013 season team award winners at the event.
For the second-consecutive year, Nikki Boltja was named the team's most valuable player after scoring 63 goals and helping lead the team to an 11-6 record. Her 74 points ranks third best in a season in school history, and her goal total is the third-highest figure in a single season in school history.
She was named a first team IWLCA all-West/Midwest Region honoree, becoming just the third Cardinal to earn first-team region honors, while also earning a spot on the all-BIG EAST first team, becoming the third Cardinal in program history to achieve the feat.
"Our 2013 honoree is one of the most passionate, committed players I have ever coached," Young said of Boltja. "She will do whatever is asked and then some to help her team win. She wants the ball at the end of the game and will do anything she can to put it in the back of the net.
"She continues to be among the best finishers in the country, the player that every team prepares for."
Janaye Dzikewich earned the coach's award for the second year in a row. The co-captain started 16 of the team's 17 games, collecting 23 ground balls and 10 draw controls and forcing 10 turnovers.
"This player was a stalwart in the face of adversity," Young said. "She spent six years helping build the foundation of all that is to come. She exceeded all expectations, inspired those around her with her love of Louisville and love of the team, and she appreciated all that she received."
Dzikewich, who was bestowed the female leadership award winner, was one of three seniors - Katie Oliverio and Danielle Pawliw were the other two - recognized during the banquet
The rookie of the year award went to Kaylin Morissette, who had arguably the best freshman season in school history.
Playing in all 17 games, earning the start in 16, the second-team all-BIG EAST selection led the team in draw controls (66), finished second in goals (45) and caused turnovers (21), and was third in points (45). Her draw control was the third most in school history and ranked 24th in the country.
"She was the overwhelming victor of this honor," Young stated. "She is one of the most dominant midfielders in the country. She impacted all aspects of our game in the 2013 season - attack, midfield, defense, and the draw.
"A developing leader, she is sure to have a remarkable impact on our program over the next three years."
The most improved player went to Carissa Corbett. She saw action in 13 contests, scoring four goals and totaling four draw controls, two grounds, and three caused turnovers. Corbett recorded the first multi-goal game of her career in 2013, scoring twice against Detroit.
"She is leaps and bounds ahead of where she was as a first year," Young said of Corbett. "Once quiet and timid, she is finding her place at Louisville and made a choice to give 110 percent her sophomore season. She invested time with the coaches, bought into our vision, and learned more about the game asking question, watching video, and doing extra work."
Rounding out the awards was Hillary Bushway, who was named the team's unsung hero. Switching to a midfield role, she started all 17 games and ranked second on the team in ground balls (28) and was third in caused turnovers (16). She won 17 draw controls, including a season-best three against Vanderbilt. In the upset victory over Ohio State, Bushway totaled three ground balls, two caused turnovers, and one draw control.
"Somewhere between the spring of 2012 and the fall of 2013, she had an epiphany and found out what she wanted from her lacrosse experience. She is a leader, a motivator, and a tremendous teammate."
