NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. – After anchoring the top-ranked Salisbury University women's lacrosse team to a 6-4 road victory on Saturday over No. 12 TCNJ,
Abby Fleishell was recognized nationally as the IWLCA DIII Defensive Player of the Week,
as announced by the association on Tuesday afternoon.
Fleishell, a senior from Sykesville, Md., forced five Lions turnovers, picked up a career-best six ground balls and logged three draw controls, as the SU defensive unit held TCNJ scoreless in the final 39 minutes of the game and the Lions' lowest scoring total since March 27, 2017.
The USA Lacrosse Preseason Defender of the Year recipient has lived up to the title, totaling 35 ground balls, 24 caused turnovers and 38 draw controls in 2026. Fleishell surpassed 100 career ground balls and draw controls this season and stands at 81 career caused turnovers.
The Sea Gull defense has not allowed more than 11 goals in 14 games this year and has held five top-25 opponents to seven or fewer goals, while ranking 29th in scoring defense (7.07).
The undefeated and top-ranked Sea Gulls return to Sea Gull Stadium to host their Morgan's Message Game on Saturday at 1 p.m. against in-state foe St. Mary's (Md.)
Salisbury University is a proud member of NCAA Division III with primary membership in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, along with affiliate membership in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (football, men's & women's swimming), Coastal Lacrosse Conference (men's lacrosse), State University of New York Athletic Conference (field hockey), and Colonial Women's Golf Conference (women's golf). With over 500 student-athletes in 23 varsity sports, SU is recognized as one of the nation's most competitive intercollegiate athletics programs regardless of division, featuring dedicated coaches and staff that foster excellence on and off the field. The Sea Gulls have won a combined 23 team national championships, 24 individual national championships, and 207 conference championships, and have produced 54 Academic All-Americans.
To Make Tomorrow Yours at Salisbury University, and learn more about Sea Gull Athletics' tradition of excellence, visit SUSeaGulls.com or follow on social media @SUSeaGulls.
