Athlete Spotlight: Melanie Mason
Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications
Salem, Mass. – Ths week our athlete spotlight features field hockey midfielder captain Melanie Mason (Beverly, Mass.). The Beverly native looked back on a couple of key games that shaped the Vikings' season. "Against Worcester State, we found ourselves trailing in goals. Worcester [State] came out scoring first and my main priority was to not let that bring down our game. It was important to capitalize and not let Worcester [State] gain a huge lead on us. My team worked really hard that game and we were all moving together and kept the intensity high. I managed to score the moment I found myself in the circle to keep the game even at the end of the second quarter. Worcester [State] scored again in the third quarter, but we were all determined to stay in the game. I tied the game again within the following three minutes, which sent us into overtime. Overtime can be very tough with a small team as we head to seven versus seven with the need to score first. We had a few really close opportunities, but unfortunately, Worcester scored first to win the game."
Salem State was in the same situation back on October 11, when they faced Bridgewater State. "We found ourselves in the same situation with Bridgewater [State] where we were down by two heading into the second half. That game started off a little slow for us, but we picked it up in the second half. After I scored in the third quarter, we built back our energy. We were still in the game and had a strong push to tie it up in the fourth quarter. With all the work we put in to getting into overtime we were set on coming out with a win. We weren't going to let this game end like Worcester [State] and gave it everything we had to score on a corner and bring home the win."
On a game that resonated with her during the course of the season. "I think the Worcester [State] game has resonated with me this season. Even though we didn't come out with the win, that game really showed what we are capable of as a team. Worcester [State] is number one in our conference and throughout that entire game we were right with them to end. Our communication, positioning, and passing was strong that game, and if we continue to play at that capacity heading into playoffs, we will come out winning."
Mason has been huge for this Vikings team as she has scored in four of the past five games. "Scoring is always the main objective of the game. There are a lot tiny pieces that go into getting the ball up the field as quickly and cleanly as possible, but it's important to get goals on the board. Scoring affects the game entirely. When the opposing team scores first it can change the mentality of the team which is why it is important to keep our heads in the game and focus on our playing and respond quickly."
Mason who started playing field hockey in her freshman year of high school mentioned her preparation during the off-season to get prepared for the upcoming season. "Lots of running. My main priority in the off-season is focusing on my endurance and speed. I always create a schedule as a way to stay on track. This typically involves running six days a week; alternating between sprint and distance runs. I also incorporate four days of weight training within the week."
Mason and the Vikings will return to Alumni Field to take on Westfield State tomorrow morning. Game time is at 11 a.m.