WESTERVILLE, OHIO – The Otterbein University women’s lacrosse team recently held its first annual awards banquet, celebrating the program’s inaugural season.

Five different Cardinals received awards, with freshman Victoria Blatt being recognized as the 2012 Most Valuable Player.

Blatt also took home Offensive MVP honors after leading the team in scoring with 56 points (44 goals, 12 assists). She finished the season with a .793 shot on goal percentage, while also registering team-highs of 44 ground balls and 69 draw controls. Highlighting Blatt’s season was an eight goal, four assist performance in the team’s 16-13 road victory at Waynesburg.

Freshman Anna Wadlington was honored with the team’s Defensive MVP award after leading the Cardinal defense throughout the 16-game schedule. Wadlington started every game, picking up 20 ground balls and causing five turnovers.

Senior Colleen Grant was named the Most Improved Player of 2012, appearing in 15 games with four starts to become the program’s first graduating class.

Sophomore Kayle Quinter was the recipient of the program’s first Unsung Hero award, highlighting a player who, although may not have many statistics, served as vital part of the team’s performance in every game.  Quinter played nearly every minute of every game, scoring the program’s first-ever goal in the season opener. She tallied 34 ground balls, won 32 draw controls, and tied for a team-high with 13 caused turnovers.

Sophomore Megan Burless earned the Cardinal Hustle Award for her consistent effort and perseverance throughout the season. Burless served as a key catalyst in the midfield, starting 13 contests and appearing in all 16. She scored two goals on the season, adding 20 ground balls and five draw controls.

Otterbein finished the spring schedule with a 5-11 record, and will look to build on the improvements heading towards year two.