ITHACA, N.Y. — Cornell women's lacrosse celebrated its 2026 season and honored its graduating class at the program's annual end-of-season awards banquet at Moakley House on the Cornell Golf Course.
Five student-athletes received the program's seven annual awards, while six of Cornell's seven graduating seniors were present to celebrate their careers with the Big Red. Cornell finished the 2026 season 9-6 overall and 4-3 in Ivy League play.
Caitlin Tully Named Best Defensive Player
Senior captain Caitlin Tully received the Mary Beth DeLaney Best Defensive Player Award after starting all 15 games and anchoring the Big Red defense.
Tully led Cornell with 35 ground balls and 35 caused turnovers while also collecting a team-high 53 draw controls. She earned first-team All-Ivy honors, Academic All-Ivy recognition, IWLCA second-team All-Region honors and USA Lacrosse Magazine honorable mention All-America honors.
"Caitlin's competitive intensity was a major factor that shaped our defensive identity," head coach Jenny Graap said. "As a two-time captain, she set an incredible standard of leadership in our program. She took pride in everything she did in the classroom and on the field which lifted others up and made everyone around her better."
Ellie Bergin Earns Best Offensive Player and BRICK Award
Ellie Bergin was honored twice, receiving both the Meg Bantley Best Offensive Player Award and the Katherine Simmons BRICK Award.
The junior attacker started all 15 games and led the Big Red with 34 goals. She added four assists, 20 draw controls and 12 ground balls while earning second-team All-Ivy honors.
The BRICK Award recognizes a player who sets the example through consistent hard work during practices and games. Bergin's two honors reflected both her offensive production and her lead by example approach to her play throughout the season.
"Ellie brought an incredible level of consistency to our team," Graap said. "She worked hard every day, competed in every opportunity and was a player we looked to in big moments. Her goal scoring ability was impressive, but the way she battled at practice and the passion she brought to every game was even more important to our success."
Lexie Tully Honored as Best All-Around Player and Leader
Sophomore midfielder Lexie Tully also received a pair of awards, earning the Jaimee Reynolds Best All-Around Player Award and the Lindsay Toppe Leadership Award.
Tully started all 15 games and contributed in every area of the field, finishing with 21 goals, 28 draw controls, 20 ground balls and 20 caused turnovers. She earned first-team All-Ivy and IWLCA second-team All-Region honors.
The Lindsay Toppe Leadership Award recognizes a player who displays outstanding selfless leadership, excels in the classroom and on the field, and sets a consistent positive example for teammates. Tully's ability to contribute on the draw, offensively and defensively made her one of Cornell's most versatile players throughout the season.
"Lexie is the definition of an all-around complete player," Graap said. "She impacts the game in so many different ways, and she is fearless in her execution. Her willingness to do whatever our team needs allows her to use action as a building block to her leadership. Even as a young player, she carried the responsibility of being a starting midfielder admirably."
Lilly Whaling Named Most Improved Player
Lilly Whaling received the Caroline Salisbury Most Improved Player Award following a sophomore season in which she became an important offensive contributor for the Big Red.
Whaling played in all 15 games and finished second on the team with 22 goals while tying for second with 11 assists. She also collected seven ground balls.
The award recognized Whaling's development throughout the season and her ability to provide an offensive spark for Cornell.
"Lilly embraced every opportunity she was given, and brought a needed spark to our offensive unit," Graap said. "She continued to grow her impact throughout the season, and her energy and confidence became a real asset for our squad."
Senior attacker Ella Wilmot was presented with the Shea Maultsby 3-D Award, which recognizes drive, determination and dedication.
Wilmot started all 15 games and led Cornell with 41 points, finishing with 13 goals and a team-high 28 assists. She also contributed 12 ground balls and eight caused turnovers. Wilmot earned honorable mention All-Ivy honors and ended with 100 Career Points.
"Ella has always been willing to go above and beyond for this team," Graap said. "Her drive and dedication showed up every day, whether it was in practice, in the weight room, or on game day. She left it all on the field and displayed heart and soul throughout her amazing career."
Seniors Celebrate Cornell Careers
The banquet also marked the end of Ivy careers of Cornell's seven-member senior class: Ella Wilmot, Emily Iacobellis, Sorelle Lawton, Dillyn Patten, Caitlin Tully, Ava Butz and Mackenzie Clark.
Wilmot, Iacobellis, Lawton, Patten, Tully and Butz were honored in-person, while Patten was unable to attend the banquet. Ellie Bergin, Caitlin Tully and Mackenzie Clark served as team captains during the 2026 season.
The senior class made contributions across all areas of the field.
Iacobellis started all 15 games and finished the season with 22 goals and eight assists for 30 points.
Lawton appeared in all 15 games and recorded 25 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers as a member of the Big Red defense.
Patten appeared in seven games and scored eight goals while recording five ground balls and five caused turnovers.
Butz played in all 15 games and contributed 16 ground balls and six caused turnovers.
Clark started all 15 games in goal, playing 841:01 of Cornell's 905 minutes between the pipes. She finished the season with 99 saves, a .463 save percentage and an 8.20 goals-against average while posting an 8-6 record.
Tully capped her career with a senior season in which she led the Big Red in ground balls and caused turnovers while earning first-team All-Ivy recognition.
"This senior class has meant so much to Cornell women's lacrosse," Graap said. "They have invested in this program, in each other and in the players who will come after them. We are grateful for everything they have given to Cornell and for the legacy they leave behind."
The banquet provided an opportunity for the Big Red to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 season while recognizing the individual contributions, leadership and lasting impact of its graduating class.
