Field Hockey Well Represented on All-Conference Awards Team
Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications
SALEM, Mass. -- Midfielder Melanie Mason (Beverly, Mass.) was named the 2023 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Defensive Player of the Year and highlights four Vikings on the 2023 All-MASCAC Field Hockey Team. Joining Mason on the first team is Mikayla Mason (Beverly, Mass.) while defenseman Aleena Frith (Pepperell, Mass.) and goalie Izzy Mosley (Middleborough, Mass.) were named to the second team.
Melanie Mason, a tri-captain, and two-time All Little East All-Conference selection, was the league's top defender this season. A complete player, her versatility flourished as she compiled eight goals with a pair of assists for 18 points this year, in addition to leading the Vikings' defense. Her eight goals ranked eighth in the league. Mason ends her career in the top-three all-time at Salem State in goals (24), points (60) and is tied for fifth in assists (12). Tri-captain Mikayla Mason was one of the league's top forwards, leading Salem State with 21 points (8g, 5a). The two-time LEC selection placed in the top-10 in the MASCAC in goals, assists and points in 2023. Her 65 career points are the most by a Salem State player since 1987, while ranking in the top-three in goals (24) and assists (17). Frith a sophomore is making her first appearance on the all-conference team. She developed into one of the league's best defenders this year, playing a significant role on the Vikings' backline. Freshman Mosley established herself as one of the MASCAC's best keepers in her first season. Starting in all 18 games, she led the league in saves with 164, finishing in the top-10 nationally in Division III.
Melanie spoke on what it means to her to be named defensive player of the year. "I was honestly surprised when I saw that I was named defensive player of the year. I've always been an offensive player either on the forward line or [played] midfield, but this season my coach wanted me in a more defensive position as a way to control the game more and help communicate with my teammates. I'm grateful for the recognition I've received for the role I stepped into this season. I think this is a huge achievement not just as an individual player, but for my team as a whole. I'm honored to be able to represent my team through this award."
As for earning first team all-conference. "I[t] means a lot to receive this achievement in my final season playing field hockey. It has reminded me of everything I have put into this sport to grow and improve myself as an athlete and teammate."
For the Beverly native, a game that resonates with her is when Salem State defeated the Fitchburg State in the first round quarterfinal on November 1 at Alumni Field. "Our game against Fitchburg State during the quarterfinals is definitely a game that has stood out to me this season. It was a very intense and close scoring game. The energy was high the entire game and I could feel the determination in everyone. I was seeing a lot of great things from my teammates. Together, we were supporting one another on the field. I made a couple mistakes that had allowed Fitchburg to score on us, but my teammates helped keep me in the game. Our passing was connecting and the communication was strong. We played hard to the very last minute and came out with a win. This was my first quarterfinals win as a Viking. I think that game truly demonstrated who we are as a team."
She expressed what she is going to miss the most about wearing the Vikings' uniform. "The thing that I will miss most are my teammates. I chose to join Salem State field hockey after meeting the team during my senior year of high school. Everyone was so welcoming and when practicing with them, it felt like I was already a part of the team. Throughout every season it's been exciting to be that teammate to welcome new players and also be the kind of player that others look up to. I'll also miss my coaches, who have helped me grow so much as an athlete both on and off the field."
Melanie spoke about her teammates and her twin sister [Mikayla], who was also named first team all-conference. "They are all very strong players and extremely deserving of these awards. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to play with Aleena. She is very skillful in what she does on the field and had a huge role on this team, especially in the midfield. Izzy has been a fantastic addition to this team in net. She knows how to guide the team defensively and plays with the kind of aggression that you look for in a goalie. I'm glad to have seen Izzy make such incredible saves and I know she will continue to do great things on this team. Mikayla and I had started playing this sport together in high school. We've learned the game together and from each other. As my sister, I have seen every moment of her improvement in this sport and I am so happy to win a MASCAC conference award with her."
Mikayla expressed what it means being first team all-conference in her final season as a Viking. "Being named first-team all-conference in my final season as a Viking is incredibly rewarding. It means a tremendous amount to me personally, and I am proud of what I have accomplished on this team. I'm grateful for the support of my coaches, teammates, and everyone who has been part of my time as a Viking athlete."
She doesn't have a specific game that resonates with her, but she said. "Any moment where we pulled ourselves out of some of our most challenging games. Moments when everyone stepped up and came together when we needed it most."
She spoke about her teammates who were also named all-conference. "Izzy has made a major impact on this team in her first year as a Viking and her dedication, skill, and sportsmanship have made her a great role model for her teammates. Aleena has played a significant role in this team's success and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to play alongside her. I know she will continue to lead this team to many more successes. Sharing this achievement with my sister makes it even more meaningful as we've been teammates from the start, pushing one another to be the best athletes we can be."
Frith expressed the significance of her recognition. "Being named to the second team means a lot to me because I have a deep love for this sport and have put my heart and soul into it. This recognition is a clear indication that my hard work has paid off, and it feels extremely rewarding."
She explained how much credit she gave to her teammates during the course of the season. "I give a lot of credit to all of my teammates because they have given me so much support on and off the field, without them I wouldn't have been the player I was this season."
The Pepperell native talked about how she found out about the news. "I found out when Viking Instagram had tagged me in a post. I was incredibly shocked and confused. When I clicked on it, I couldn't believe what I saw. I also received a text from my teammate Izzy, who had also won second team with me. Without wasting any time, I called my mom to share the big news!"
The sophomore mentioned how competitive the league is to be named all-conference. "Being named second team in the MASCAC is a challenging feat due to the high competitiveness of each team, as every team fights hard for a win in every game. However, this year, my confidence and belief in my abilities helped me to compete with other teams confidently and play at their level."
A game that resonates with her was when Salem State defeated Bridgewater State on October 11 on the road. "I would say what resonates with me the most from this season was my first collegiate goal. It was against Bridgewater in overtime. Thanks to Mik[ayla] for her amazing shot that I was in perfect position to tip in, it got us the much-needed win and it was a very surreal moment for me."
As for her goals for the next upcoming season. "Next season, I want our team to prioritize fun and teamwork, as we thrive on positive energy. This past season, that energy was a key factor in our success. But most importantly I want us to work hard and accomplish not only our team goals, but our personal goals as well."
Frith talked about what it means that her teammates were also named all-conference. "Mik[ayla] and Mel[anie] mean a lot to me as I've always looked up to them, even last season. I've always tried to work as hard as them and they deserve this award 100%. As for Izzy, she is one of my best friends on the team. I took her in this year, and she has created a big impact on this team, and she is an amazing goalie. I am so excited to see her accomplish many great things throughout her career."
Mosley spoke about what it means to be named second team all-conference in her freshmen year. "To be named second team all-conference in my freshmen year is a huge honor! I am extremely grateful for this recognition and very proud of the accomplishment."
She expressed her reaction to this achievement. "I was very excited when I found out! This award is not something I expected to get as a freshman, so I was caught very off guard. Mostly though I was so excited to see how my teammates also received awards as well. It was awesome to see SSU represented in the MASCAC."
The freshmen led the league in saves with 164, finishing in the top-10 nationally in Division III. "I almost have no words on this subject. It came as a great surprise. This is a huge accomplishment, and I am incredibly proud to represent SSU on this level. I've trained as goalie for a very long time and it's very rewarding to see the years of hard work come to fruition."
I asked Mosley if she envisioned earning this award in her freshmen season and what she want to improve for next season ? "I think that everyone in their first season hopes to have a strong year and earn an acknowledgment such as this one. So, I had hoped this year I'd be able to show what I can do in the conference and gain potential recognition for it. At the same time, I also came into the season aware of the competition and the difficulty that would come along with being a freshman. Looking to next season I plan to train hard this off season to improve my speed and reaction time."
Oct 7, at Alumni Field is a game that resonates with her despite Salem State picking up 3-2 loss in overtime. "A game that resonates with me from this season was our home game against Worcester State. In that game everyone worked together and lifted each other up. While we may have lost, we all worked incredibly hard whether it was me making a save, a midfielder making a good pass or a forward scoring. We all did everything we could to succeed as a unit. To go into overtime against the number one team was a huge step in the right direction for the latter half of our season."
She expressed what her teammates also earning All-MASCAC meant to her. "Mikayla, Melanie, and Aleena mean a great deal to me. This year they all have been so kind and helpful to me as a freshman. Not only are they great teammates, they are also great friends. They all work incredibly hard to be so good at what they do, and they are great role models because of that."