SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (April 30, 2026) – The Western New England women's lacrosse team saw two of its own earn named to the 2026 Women's Lacrosse All-Conference of New England teams, led by first-team selection Gabby Sliwka, as announced in the postseason awards list this afternoon. 

For the first time in her career, junior Gabby Sliwka earns All-CNE First Team honors, leading Western New England's core defensive group this season. Sliwka led the Golden Bears with 25 total caused turnovers on the season and picked up 34 ground balls. Sliwka also contributed on the offensive end for the Golden Bears, picking up five goals and adding an assist, good for six points overall on the season. Sliwka took 14 shots on the season, putting 11 on goal, and won four draw controls overall. The Burlington, Connecticut, native shined in Conference of New England play this season, picking up 14 caused turnovers and recording 22 ground balls for the season. Over her first three seasons in Blue and Gold, Sliwka has 40 caused turnovers and 65 ground ball pick-ups, playing in 47 games, making 37 starts. 

Junior goalie Emily Picolla earns All-CNE honors for the first time in her career after a breakout season in 2026. Picolla played in and made starts in all of Western New England's 17 games on the season, starting in every game for the second consecutive year. Picolla made 149 saves between the pipes for the Golden Bears during the season, posting a .498 save percentage and a 10.11 goals against average, both career bests. Picolla was second in the conference in saves this season and was third in saves per game. The Utica, New York, native picked up 30 ground balls for WNE on the season and caused four turnovers. Picolla has been named to the All-CNE Second Team. 

Picolla has also been selected as Western New England women's lacrosse's Conference of New England Community Service representative. This CNE award honors one student-athlete per conference institution who demonstrates a commitment to their community. Each student-athlete was nominated by their head coach. Picolla has been involved in community service through her involvement in C.A.R.E. (Community Action Rewards Everyone). She has made a meaningful impact both on campus and in the broader community. This semester, she helped organize and participate in creating hygiene packs for the YWCA, providing essential items to those in need. She also contributed to the "Take What You Need/Give What You Can" initiative, designing and sharing posters that promote mental health awareness and support among students. In addition, she took part in making Valentine's Day cards for residents at the Wellington Living Center, spreading joy and connection. Picolla joins former Golden Bear Mia Celentano to be named to the CNE Community Service Team. 

The Western New England women's lacrosse team finished out the 2026 season with a 9-8 overall record, going 5-5 in Conference of New England play.