St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s lacrosse team secured both the United East Conference Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week awards for the fourth time this season, as announced by the league office on April 14, 2025. Senior captain Hailey Betch and junior defender Carsyn Smith earned the honors for their performances in a commanding 2-0 week for the Seahawks.
The team dominated Wilson College 22-4 on April 8 and shut out Cedar Crest College 29-0 on April 12, showcasing offensive and defensive prowess. Betch, from Severna Park, Maryland, led with 10 points, scoring five goals and providing five assists across the two games. Against Wilson, she contributed two goals, two assists, a season-high three ground balls, a career-best three caused turnovers, and two draw controls. She capped the week against Cedar Crest with three goals, three assists, four draw controls, and one caused turnover, achieving four career milestones: 200 goals, 100 assists, 300 points, and 250 draw controls.
Betch leads the United East with 27 assists, ranks third with 55 points, sixth with 28 goals, and is tied for eighth with 35 draw controls. “Betch ended the week with three goals and three assists plus four draw controls and one caused turnover against Cedar Crest,” the conference noted in its release, underscoring her impact.
Smith, from Crownsville, Maryland, anchored the defense, earning her third defensive award of the season. Against Wilson, she recorded four ground balls, four draw controls, three caused turnovers, and her first goal of the year. She added two draw controls and one caused turnover against Cedar Crest. Smith ranks second in the conference with 32 ground balls and 20 caused turnovers, solidifying her role as a defensive leader.
The Seahawks’ recent victories highlight their strength in the United East Conference, where they have consistently earned weekly accolades. According to the NCAA, team shutouts like the one against Cedar Crest are rare in women’s lacrosse, reflecting exceptional defensive coordination. St. Mary’s balanced attack and stout defense have positioned them as a competitive force this season.
With a 6-7 record, St. Mary’s now prepares for a non-conference matchup against the University of Mary Washington (10-3) in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on April 16 at 5 p.m. The game offers a chance to build momentum as the season progresses. The United East Conference tracks team standings and individual performances closely, with St. Mary’s players frequently appearing among top statistical leaders.
The awards reflect ongoing recognition for the Seahawks, who have claimed offensive honors four times and defensive honors five times in 2025. Previous recipients include Betch (Feb. 24, March 10, April 14), Colin Horton (April 7), and Smith (March 24, April 7, April 14), among others. The consistent honors underscore the team’s depth and individual talent, setting the stage for their upcoming challenges.
