INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - For the third time in the 2026 season, Sydney Atkinson has received the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Women's Lacrosse Defensive Athlete of the Week.
 
The sophomore goalie from Chardon, Ohio helped lead the Pioneers to a 3-0 week with victories over St. Thomas University (16-9), Warner University (12-6) and New College of Florida (17-8). She was in net for all 180 minutes and tallied 24 saves on 63 shots for a .511 save percentage. Atkinson allowed just seven goals per game against some of the best women's lacrosse teams in NAIA.
 
Malone begins conference play on Thursday, March 19 at the University of Findlay. The action begins at 4:00 P.M.