Colorado led the way during the first week of the 2026 Big 12 Lacrosse season with three weekly award winners as Maddie Shoup (attack player), Jess Peluso (defender) and Elena Oh (goalkeeper) garnered honors. Cincinnati picked up two weekly awards with Alyse Keels (midfielder) and Morgan Handzel (draw specialist), while Arizona State’s Averie Cage was named Freshman of the Week.

Shoup had a team-high five goals in CU’s 10-9 win over No. 2 Northwestern, the highest-ranked win in program history. The 2025 All-Big 12 member scored on five of her six shots, recording her eighth career hat trick.

Peluso helped hold the second-ranked Wildcats to just nine goals. The senior forced two turnovers and had a key block late in the fourth quarter. This is the 2025 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year’s fourth career Big 12 Defender of the Week honor.

Oh recorded eight saves against Northwestern, including three in the final three minutes to hold onto the one-goal CU lead. It was the first time the Wildcats had been held to under 10 goals at home since Feb. 15, 2025. This is Oh’s fifth career Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week accolade.

Keels had six goals on six shots in a 17-9 Bearcat win over Xavier. This is the sophomore’s first weekly award.

Handzel totaled 14 draw controls, the second-most in UC history, for her first league honor.

Cage had four caused turnovers in her ASU debut. She was one of two true freshmen to see minutes in the game against Oregon. 

Big 12 Lacrosse Weekly Award Winners – Week 1
Attack Player - Maddie Shoup, Colorado
Midfielder - Alyse Keels, Cincinnati
Defender - Jess Peluso, Colorado
Goalkeeper - Elena Oh, Colorado
Draw Specialist - Morgan Handzel, Cincinnati
Freshman - Averie Cage, Arizona State