Strickland, Birch earn WWPA weekly accolades

The Western Water Polo Association honors the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for the week of March 31-April 6, 2025.

WWPA Offensive Player of the Week
Gannon's Jade Strickland stood out on the offensive end during the WWPA Erie Classic, securing tournament-highs of 10 points, six goals and four sprint wins over two conference matches. The senior attacker finished GU's four-game set with 14 goals, six assists, 13 steals and six field blocks. She registered season highs of five goals, three drawn exclusions, four steals and three field blocks against Washington & Jefferson.

Nominees: Shanelle Márquez, McKendree; Veralie Naranjo, Biola; Jade Strickland, Gannon; Kristen Hemmila, Salem

January 13-19, 2025: Ximena Pichon, Cal State Monterey Bay
January 20-26, 2025: Tatum Benson, Fresno Pacific
January 27-February 2, 2025: Joey Rebelo, McKendree
February 3-9, 2025: Bella Morquecho, McKendree
February 10-16, 2025: Maggie Cook, Fresno Pacific
February 17-23, 2025: Veralie Naranjo, Biola
February 24 - March 2, 2025: Tatum Benson, Fresno Pacific
March 3-9, 2025: Myah Ibarra, Biola
March 10-16, 2025: Joey Rebelo, McKendree
March 17-23, 2025: Veralie Naranjo, Biola
March 24-30, 2025: Allyson Ainsworth, Cal State Monterey Bay
March 31-April 6, 2025: Jade Strickland, Gannon

WWPA Defensive Player of the Week
Lizzy Birch earned her second WWPA Defensive Player of the Week award of 2025 after helping the Eagles to three wins against current and future WWPA opponents. Birch and the BU defense put together their strongest performances of the season, allowing goal totals of only six, four and three. She maintained a strong press, nabbing 13 steals over the three games while adding eight goals and two assists. The senior leads the WWPA in steals (33) and also reached the 100-career goals milestone last week.

Nominees: Sydney Kane, McKendree; Lizzy Birch, Biola; Emily Low, Salem

January 13-19, 2025: Lizzy Birch, Biola
January 20-26, 2025: Sydney Kane, McKendree
January 27-February 2, 2025: Emily Low, Salem
February 3-9, 2025: Sydney Kane, McKendree
February 10-16, 2025: Marissa White, Cal State Monterey Bay
February 17-23, 2025: Molly Sebunia, Gannon
February 24 - March 2, 2025: Sydney Kane, McKendree
March 3-9, 2025: Allyson Ainsworth, Cal State Monterey Bay
March 10-16, 2025: Ava LoBue, Biola
March 17-23, 2025: Gwendolyn Pidd, Biola
March 24-30, 2025: Kendra Weaver, Cal State Monterey Bay
March 31-April 6, 2025: Lizzy Birch, Biola