When the Northeast Conference’s women’s lacrosse Prime Performers list was released for the week of March 25, CCSU junior midfielder Talie Richardson’s name was at the top of the list.

Her dominant week was highlighted by a gritty performance in the rain against Fairleigh Dickinson, a game in which she collected a career-high seven ground balls.

In addition to her prowess on the ground, Richardson scored twice, added an assist, controlled six draws and caused five turnovers.

Richardson said her performance was grounded in mental toughness, which she takes pride in, both for herself and her team.

“Playing midfield, it’s a very tiring position,” she said. “Mental toughness and making sure to capitalize on every moment. I feel like I got Prime Performer because I make up for a lot.”

Richardson said she prepares for games by locking in on film, both of the opponents and herself.

“I take the time to watch myself in past games to see where I made a mistake, where I can do better,” she said.

Richardson’s journey to Central was straightforward, as her current head coach, Betsy Vendel, was her club lacrosse coach in high school. She also said that the cost and the proximity to her hometown of Southington were big selling points.

Coming into the year, Richardson set a simple goal for herself: to play better than last season.

“A little over halfway into the season, I think I am already doing a lot better than last season,” Richardson said. “I think a lot of that came from putting in the work outside of practice and in the offseason, going to the field on my own, and shooting and working on stuff that I know I need to work on.”

Her goal for her team was similar.

“[Our goal] was just to improve from last season to this season and be able to work as a team,” she said. “I think we do a good job at saying, ‘We were really bad at ground balls last game, so we’re going to be really good at it this game.’”

Richardson commended her teammates for their willingness to work hard as the Blue Devils continue to fight in a wide-open NEC lacrosse field.

“We all put in the effort in practice and outside of practice to make little improvements each game,” she said.

Richardson said she is grateful to be playing lacrosse at a high level and doesn’t take it for granted.

“You just have to give it your all,” she said. “Your sport is like your job, but you love it. It’s like having the best job ever.”