Lady Eagles Alaina Girani and Emily Torris have just been named to the Big South Lacrosse Preseason All-Conference Team. The Big South office announced this on Jan. 23.
Meet #1 Alaina Girani
Redshirt senior goalie Girani from Wirtz, VA is the first Big South lacrosse player to be named to four different conference preseason polls.
“It feels good to be recognized and it’s such an honor,” said Girani.
Last season in the net she led the Eagles to the Big South Final. She was third in the conference allowing 11.22 goals per game and second with a .476 save percentage.
“Alaina is hands–down the best goalie I have worked with and is far better than those we see in our opponents,” said head coach Julika Blankenship. “She has a very strong lacrosse IQ and of course, experience that can lead us to the top.”
Girani was the Big South Freshman of the Year in 2015, the Big South Defensive Player of the Year and Big South Tournament MVP in 2016, and First-Team All-Conference in 2015-16. Last year she redshirted due to an injury.
“The process (to recovery) was definitely tough because I wanted nothing more than to be on the field with my teammates,” said Girani. “I used the summer to rehab and gain strength back in my ankle that way when I came back in the fall, I was right back where I left off.”
“I expect her to break her own save percentage/saves in a season records as well as be the Big South Defensive Player of the Year,” said Coach Blankenship.
Meet #19 Emily Torris
This is the first Big South honor for defender Torris from Granite Bay, CA. “I am very honored to be selected for pre-season all conference,” said Torris. “So much of my success comes from all of the people around me. If it wasn’t for my coaches making me better everyday then I would not be where I am today.”
Last season, Torris played in every game, starting in 18. She forced 12 turnovers and picked up 14 ground balls.
“Emily is a very strong takeaway defender that we rely on oftentimes to mark out our opponents’ best player,” said Blankenship. “I expect Emily to be a huge threat out of the back for us and a first line of attack type role in our clear. She has every capability of being an All-Conference first team player.”
Prior to transferring to Winthrop in 2017, Torris played at George Washington University.
“I transferred to Winthrop because I was impressed by the program that was being built here,” said Torris. “I fell in love with the South and could picture myself excelling on the field and with academics due to all of the support offered.”
Lady Eagles
The Big South Lacrosse office predicted Winthrop to finish in third this season. Last year they made it to the finals, losing to High Point 18-7. Both Girani and Torris agreed that their goals are to win the Big South Championship.
“My favorite memory playing for Winthrop was when we won back to back Big South Championships my freshman and sophomore year,” said Girani. “It was such a special feeling, and I would love to end my years here with another ring.”
The women’s season begins on Feb. 8 at East Carolina. Their first home game is on Feb. 10 at 1:00 p.m.
