SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. – The Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) has announced its All-Region teams and two Mount Holyoke College student-athletes have been recognized. Sophomore Julia Bell and junior Kirsten Kilburn were both named to the All-Berkshire Region Second Team. This marks the second straight honor for Bell, and the first for Kilburn.
An attack out of Longmeadow, Mass., Bell started all 16 games for the Lyons, leading the team with 71 goals and 23 assists for a team-best 94 points. She recorded 141 shots, including 116 on goal, while chipping in with 29 ground balls, 41 draw controls and 20 caused turnovers. Additionally, Bell posted a team-high three game-winning tallies with 12 of her markers coming on the free position.
The former Wilbraham & Monson Academy graduate is currently ranked ninth in the nation in goals per game (4.44) and is also 14th in points per contest (5.88). She also finished as the NEWMAC leader in goals and points (16-point margin).
Named to the NEWMAC All-First Team, Bell was also a NEWMAC Offensive Performer of the Week this season. She recorded four or more goals in nine games, including six or more in five. Additionally, the two-time First Team honoree reached double-figures in points over three games.
Kilburn, a captain and midfielder from North Branford, Conn., started all 16 games this season, notching 70 goals and eight assists for 78 points. Additionally, Kilburn led the team in shots with 156, including 112 on goal, 57 ground balls, 131 draw controls and 27 caused turnovers.
Also a NEWMAC All-First Team selection, Kilburn ranks 10th in the nation in goals per game (4.38) and is currently third overall in draw controls per game (8.19). She finished as the NEWMAC leader in draw controls and shots, while ranking second in goals, points, shots on goal and ground balls. She was also third in the conference in caused turnovers.
The former North Branford High School standout also set a major milestone this season, becoming the program's all-time leader in draw controls. She now has 271 draws in her career, passing the previous mark of 248, set by Peggy Wefald from 2007-10. Kilburn also tied the all-time single-game mark for draws with 17 against Springfield on April 12.
Mount Holyoke, which is led by seventh-year head coach Miriam Esber, finished the season with an 8-8 record, going 3-4 in the NEWMAC. The Lyons played in the Quarterfinals of the NEWMAC Tournament.
