UAlbany's Cincebox Named IWLCA National Defensive Player of the Week

Goalkeeper makes 15 saves in key conference win over Bryant

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:37am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a women's lacrosse game, with sharp planes of green, blue, and white representing the players and movement on the field.A cubist interpretation of the defensive heroics that earned UAlbany's Grace Cincebox national recognition.Burlington Today

UAlbany goalkeeper Grace Cincebox has been named the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) National Defensive Player of the Week. Cincebox recorded a season-high 15 saves in the Great Danes' 9-8 victory over Bryant, keeping the team undefeated in conference play at 5-0 and improving their overall record to 10-4.

Why it matters

This is the first time this season that Cincebox has received a national weekly award from the IWLCA, recognizing her standout performance in a crucial conference matchup. As the Great Danes look to continue their strong season, Cincebox's ability to anchor the defense will be key to their success.

The details

Cincebox delivered a masterful performance, turning away 15 of the 23 shots she faced from the relentless Bulldogs offense. She was particularly effective in the fourth quarter, making six saves to protect a slim one-goal lead, including a crucial stop with 1:46 to play that allowed the Great Danes to run out the clock.

  • The Great Danes secured the 9-8 victory over Bryant on April 11 at Casey Stadium.
  • Cincebox's 15-save performance was her highest total of the 2026 campaign.

The players

Grace Cincebox

The UAlbany goalkeeper who was named the IWLCA National Defensive Player of the Week.

UAlbany

The women's lacrosse team at the University at Albany, SUNY.

Bryant

The opposing team that UAlbany defeated 9-8 in a key conference matchup.

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What’s next

The Great Danes will travel to Vermont to face the Catamounts on Saturday, April 18, at Virtue Field in Burlington, Vermont, with the first draw scheduled for noon.

The takeaway

Cincebox's standout performance in the win over Bryant showcases her ability to anchor the Great Danes' defense and her importance to the team's success as they look to continue their strong season and remain undefeated in conference play.