Jullys Souza Jr
Fitchburg, MA—The Fitchburg State University Field Hockey team has been on an incredible roll lately. They are killing it within the MASCAC at a level unprecedented to the team in recent years. The Falcons have had a streak of five straight wins since September 28th. They are also unbeaten in conference play on the season, posting a 5-0 record against MASCAC opponents.
They won their first conference game of the year against Framingham State (4-2) before dropping a game to a strong, out of conference Wheaton College team. Their first victory of their five game win streak was away at Westfield State (3-0), followed by a home shutout against Worcester State (3-0), winning on the road once again against Salem State University (4-0), defeating Nichols in a non-conference matchup (4-1) and most recently, a fourth consecutive conference shutout at Bridgewater State (5-0). This means they have now played their first half of conference games and will now play each one of those MASCAC teams again. The team’s overall record so far this season is 6-6. This is a huge step up compared to last year when by the end of it, the team was 3-7 in conference play and ended with an overall record of 4-13. Being 5-0 in conference play is a huge accomplishment for this team as they sit atop the league’s standings with six games left to go.
Throughout this season, the Falcons have received many individual accolades from the MASCAC. Senior goalkeeper Jenna Morse has had a phenomenal season up to this point, securing three Defensive Player of the Week Awards. Deservingly so, as she has started and won 4 out of the 5 MASCAC games for the team, posting a lights out 0.75 GAA to go along with 16 saves and 2 shutouts during those four games. The Falcons have also seen the rise of multiple young stars, with two freshmen acquiring Rookie of the Week honors. Freshman forward Eliza Gallo Senka won hers early on in the season when she scored a goal and assisted another in an overtime loss against Simmons University. Freshman midfielder Samantha Jones has been a real difference maker for the team, as she is tied for the team lead with 17 points, scoring 6 goals and distributing 5 assists. Her breakout rookie season has landed her two Rookie of the Week awards with still another two weeks of games left to play. Combined, they have obtained six MASCAC awards throughout the season.
The players on the field hockey team have been playing great since starting up MASCAC play. Throughout their five conference games, they have scored 19 goals, averaging almost 4 a game. Their shot-to-goal percentage is .162 which is higher than most of the other teams in the MASCAC. While their offense seems to be firing on all cylinders at the perfect time, their defense has been playing lock down as well. Their back line is anchored by multiple veteran precenses, including senior defenders Riley O’ Brien, Sydney Alto, Madison Araujo and junior Carley McCaie. With another senior in Morse protecting the net, this group’s experience has proven to be extremely valuable as they worked together to allow just three total goals in their five conference games combined. Statistics do not always accurately represent a team’s drive and success rate but it does in the case of the 2024 Fitchburg State field hockey team. They will look to continue their hot streak against MASCAC opponents heading into the playoffs as they aim to maintain their position as the #1 seed in the conference.
