Garcia is Chosen Second Team All-West Region after Scoring 41 Goals

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University women's lacrosse player Maddie Garcia (So., MID, Encinitas, CA/San Dieguito Academy), who led the Bearcats with 41 goals, has been named Second Team All-West Region for the 2021 NCAA Division III season as selected by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA). Garcia was selected First Team All-Northwest Conference earlier this spring.

The All-West Region Team included 32 players with 16 players on the First Team and 16 players on the Second Team.

"This recognition is a statement to the level of impact she truly has had. She didn't just have a great season, she left her mark," Willamette Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Sarah Lautenbach said. "I'm very excited she has been considered among all of the other extremely talented players in our region. It's a great accomplishment to be named with that group."

Garcia is the first Willamette student-athlete to earn All-West Region honors in women's lacrosse. The Bearcats recently completed their third season of competition with an 8-3 record, including 7-3 (2nd place tie) in the Northwest Conference. Willamette played its first season of women's lacrosse in 2019.

Second Team All-West Region

Maddie Garcia (So., MID) ranked fourth in the Northwest Conference with her 41 goals. She also earned one assist for 42 total points. In conference games, she led the NWC with 38 goals. She was Willamette's leader in offensive chances with 58 total shots and 52 shots on goal. She was 12 of 19 on free-position shots. In addition, Garcia registered 18 draw controls and 17 ground balls. She forced opponents into 12 turnovers.

Garcia scored at least three goals nine times during the season. She recorded six goals in three games -- against Pacific University on March 20, versus Linfield University on April 3, and against the University of Puget Sound on May 1. She tallied five goals against Pacific on March 21. She caused four turnovers by Corban University in the season opener on Feb. 27.

During two seasons at Willamette, she has scored 47 goals and one assist for 49 total points. Her career totals also include 20 draw controls and 20 ground balls. She has taken 75 total shots with 61 shots on goal.