CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati lacrosse team is making waves in the Big 12, thanks in large part to standout performances from sophomore Morgan Handzel and freshman Payton Kozina. Both players earned prestigious conference honors this week, with Handzel being named Draw Specialist of the Week for the third time, and Kozina securing her first Big 12 Freshman of the Week accolade.
Handzel's prowess in the draw circle was on full display, as she racked up an impressive 40 draw controls over two games. Her performance against Eastern Michigan was nothing short of historic. Handzel tied the NCAA single-game record with 24 draw controls, a feat that not only led Cincinnati to a 16-9 victory but also broke her own program record of 16 set just two days prior against Kent State.
With 115 draw controls on the season, Handzel has already set a new program benchmark, and she still has seven games to further extend her record.
Meanwhile, Kozina made her presence felt on the offensive end, scoring five goals over the weekend, including a hat trick against Eastern Michigan. Her contributions were crucial in Cincinnati's 13-7 win over Kent State and the subsequent triumph over Eastern Michigan.
These performances underscore the dynamic impact of Cincinnati's young talent, positioning the team as a formidable force in the conference. Keep an eye on Handzel and Kozina as they continue to elevate their game and push Cincinnati to new heights.