Expected Goals
Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2023 2:21 pm
This was originally published in the Sun Oct 8, 2023 edition of Expected Goals, my daily newsletter.
Grace Lane of the University of Scranton had a solid 2023 season, characterized by strong performances and impressive statistics. In a vacuum, she was solid but not spectacular, but when you compare her 2022 with her 2023, there are some warning signs. One of the most notable factors of her season was her elevated usage rate, which increased to 14.5% from a previous 7.8%. This is a clear indication that Lane's role on the team expanded significantly this year, a challenge she embraced with gusto. But her individual efficiency rating went from a 91 (out of 100) in 2022 to a 73 this past year.
During her best four-game stretch between March 28 and April 6, Lane truly shone. Playing against Kean, Misericordia, Elizabethtown, and Moravian, she helped her team secure a 3-1 record. Her individual efficiency rating was in the 87th percentile during this period. Her shooting efficiency was in the 45th percentile, while her assist rate reached the 80th percentile. Most notably, her ball security was in the impressive 74th percentile, underscoring her ability to maintain possession under pressure.
Contrasting this, Lane's most challenging period was between March 18 and March 28, where the team recorded a 2-2 record against St. John Fisher, Rowan, Juniata, and Kean. During this stretch, her individual efficiency rating dropped to the 28th percentile. Her shooting efficiency was in the 25th percentile, and her assist rate was in the 48th percentile. Most significantly, her ball security dipped to the 2nd percentile, indicating a real struggle with decision-making.
When we look at the season as a whole, Lane's shooting efficiency was a highlight of her game, moving from the 59th percentile in 2022 to the 71st percentile in 2023. However, her ball security saw a decline from the 66th percentile in 2022 to the 33rd percentile in 2023. It's important to note that Lane's larger role on the team might have contributed to the increased pressure and subsequent drop in ball security. It's hard to be as efficient when defenses make you the focal point of their strategy; that may have had a role here.
Overall, Lane's 2023 season was characterized by her resilience and adaptability. Her increased usage rate is a testament to her importance on the team. Her shooting efficiency improved notably, and even though there was a dip in her ball security, her overall contribution remained significant although not as efficient as 2022. Her best and worst periods of the season provided valuable insight into her strengths and areas of improvement. The University of Scranton team undoubtedly benefited from Lane's contributions, and her performance was a key factor in their season.
If you want 5-10 minutes of team and player analysis in your inbox every morning, sign up for Expected Goals here.
Grace Lane of the University of Scranton had a solid 2023 season, characterized by strong performances and impressive statistics. In a vacuum, she was solid but not spectacular, but when you compare her 2022 with her 2023, there are some warning signs. One of the most notable factors of her season was her elevated usage rate, which increased to 14.5% from a previous 7.8%. This is a clear indication that Lane's role on the team expanded significantly this year, a challenge she embraced with gusto. But her individual efficiency rating went from a 91 (out of 100) in 2022 to a 73 this past year.
During her best four-game stretch between March 28 and April 6, Lane truly shone. Playing against Kean, Misericordia, Elizabethtown, and Moravian, she helped her team secure a 3-1 record. Her individual efficiency rating was in the 87th percentile during this period. Her shooting efficiency was in the 45th percentile, while her assist rate reached the 80th percentile. Most notably, her ball security was in the impressive 74th percentile, underscoring her ability to maintain possession under pressure.
Contrasting this, Lane's most challenging period was between March 18 and March 28, where the team recorded a 2-2 record against St. John Fisher, Rowan, Juniata, and Kean. During this stretch, her individual efficiency rating dropped to the 28th percentile. Her shooting efficiency was in the 25th percentile, and her assist rate was in the 48th percentile. Most significantly, her ball security dipped to the 2nd percentile, indicating a real struggle with decision-making.
When we look at the season as a whole, Lane's shooting efficiency was a highlight of her game, moving from the 59th percentile in 2022 to the 71st percentile in 2023. However, her ball security saw a decline from the 66th percentile in 2022 to the 33rd percentile in 2023. It's important to note that Lane's larger role on the team might have contributed to the increased pressure and subsequent drop in ball security. It's hard to be as efficient when defenses make you the focal point of their strategy; that may have had a role here.
Overall, Lane's 2023 season was characterized by her resilience and adaptability. Her increased usage rate is a testament to her importance on the team. Her shooting efficiency improved notably, and even though there was a dip in her ball security, her overall contribution remained significant although not as efficient as 2022. Her best and worst periods of the season provided valuable insight into her strengths and areas of improvement. The University of Scranton team undoubtedly benefited from Lane's contributions, and her performance was a key factor in their season.
If you want 5-10 minutes of team and player analysis in your inbox every morning, sign up for Expected Goals here.