Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Jenika Cuocco Named IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week
3/31/2026 2:03:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — After a pair of standout performances in wins over then-No. 1 North Carolina and then-No. 7 Johns Hopkins, Northwestern graduate student goalkeeper Jenika Cuocco earned IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week honors on Tuesday afternoon.
Cuocco is the first Wildcat to receive the award this season. This marks her second time garnering the honor, having been named IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week on April 25, 2023.
Across Northwestern's two top-10 wins this past week, Cuocco posted 23 saves on a 45.1% save percentage and added six ground balls.
On March 25, Cuocco racked up 12 saves, including a free-position stop in overtime to set up the game-winning goal in a 17-16 victory over previously undefeated North Carolina. She saved her best for the matchup's decisive moments, racking up eight saves in the second half and overtime period.
Four days later, Cuocco compiled 11 saves on 23 shots on goal in Northwestern's 16-12 win over then-No. 7 Johns Hopkins. She added a season-high six ground balls in the win.
The NCAA leader in career saves among active players, Cuocco has amassed 93 saves on a 47.9% save percentage in 2026. The Sound Beach, N.Y., native ranks third in the Big Ten in save percentage and has hit double digit saves on four occasions this season.
Cuocco is the first Wildcat to receive the award this season. This marks her second time garnering the honor, having been named IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week on April 25, 2023.
Across Northwestern's two top-10 wins this past week, Cuocco posted 23 saves on a 45.1% save percentage and added six ground balls.
On March 25, Cuocco racked up 12 saves, including a free-position stop in overtime to set up the game-winning goal in a 17-16 victory over previously undefeated North Carolina. She saved her best for the matchup's decisive moments, racking up eight saves in the second half and overtime period.
Four days later, Cuocco compiled 11 saves on 23 shots on goal in Northwestern's 16-12 win over then-No. 7 Johns Hopkins. She added a season-high six ground balls in the win.
The NCAA leader in career saves among active players, Cuocco has amassed 93 saves on a 47.9% save percentage in 2026. The Sound Beach, N.Y., native ranks third in the Big Ten in save percentage and has hit double digit saves on four occasions this season.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's LacrosseLacrosse - Northwestern Tops No. 7 Johns Hopkins 16-12 (3/39/26)
Sunday, March 29
Lacrosse - Down Goes No. 1: ’Cats Win 17-16 in OT (3/25/26)
Thursday, March 26
Lacrosse - ’Cats Down Oregon 17-3 in Road Matchup (3/21/26)
Saturday, March 21
Lacrosse - Late Surge Lifts ‘Cats Over Stony Brook, 13-12 (2/28/26)
Saturday, February 28
