By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, Ore. -- Emma Canchola (Sr., DEF, Oregon City OR/Oregon City HS) of Willamette University has been named Northwest Conference Women's Lacrosse Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts in road wins by the Bearcats at Pacific University on March 30 and at the University of Puget Sound on April 3. The Bearcats rolled past Pacific 15-1 and defeated Puget Sound 13-9.

Willamette improved to 8-3 on the season, 5-1 in the NWC. The Bearcats will play at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, on Saturday, April 9 at 1 p.m. (PDT).

Canchola led Willamette's defense as the team limited Pacific to one goal and held Puget Sound to nine goals. She provided the Bearcats with seven ground balls and forced 4 turnovers during the week. In the win over Pacific, the Bearcats allowed just 11 total shots and three shots on goal.

This year, Canchola tops the Bearcats' statistical chart with 30 ground balls. In addition, she has forced opponents into 13 turnovers. During her Willamette career, Canchola has played in 40 games and has recorded 139 ground ball while forcing 62 turnovers.