LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) announced its first batch of Athletes of the Week for the 2026 lacrosse season, naming Sadie Kauffman as the top athlete in the East Division two games in.

Kauffman has opened the season on a tear, putting up 14 goals and an assist for 15 points as the Warriors have routed ranked opponents No. 17 Seton Hill and No. 23 Bentley. Opening the season against the Griffins, Kauffman recorded six goals, two draw controls, a caused turnover, and a ground ball. Her tally with 4:33 remaining in the first quarter put the Warriors in the lead for the rest of the game, as she went on to score five more in the final three quarters.

Against No. 23 Bentley, Kauffman outscored the Falcons by herself at home, putting the game out of reach with eight first-half goals in a nine-point outing. Kauffman opened the scoring right off the opening draw just 30 seconds in. With 3:15 remaining in the first quarter, she already completed the hat trick, and by the time the frame ended, she had five of ESU's nine goals, with all but one unassisted. In the second quarter, Kauffman continued to dominate, scoring the Warriors' next three goals, helping them hold a double-digit lead over the Falcons for the remainder of the game. Her work on draws played a factor in ESU's relentless pressure, winning possession six times to keep the ball in the offensive zone. Her eight goals set a new career-high, beating her mark of seven, which she set last season in the NCAA Tournament against Frostburg State.

The 2025 PSAC East Freshman of the Year has wasted no time cementing herself as one of the top offensive threats in all of Division II in her second year, opening the season with 14 goals through two games against the No. 17 and 23 teams in the country. Kauffman's performance was also recognized by USA Lacrosse, as the organization named her the Division II Player of the Week.

Kauffman and the Warriors are currently playing in Indiana, Pa. against the Crimson Hawks, and close the week at home against Georgian Court at noon on Saturday, Feb. 28.