Women’s Soccer Trio Earns All-Conference
Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications
SALEM, Mass.- Seniors Brenna Paquette (M, Hudson, N.H.) and Lily Pfefferle (GK, St. Paul, Minn.) were named to the 2023 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Women's Soccer First Team in an announcement by the league last Tuesday. Senior Sydney Durkin (D, Dracut, Mass.) was selected to the second team.
All three players are making their inaugural appearance on the all-conference team. Paquette started in all 18 games for the Vikings, compiling 12 points (5d. 2a). Her five goals ranked 9th in the league. Pfefferle enjoyed a strong senior season, recording a league-best 195 saves, which along with her 12.19 saves per game average, ranked sixth nationally in Division III. Durkin had a goal and four assists, recording six points for Salem State while anchoring the Vikings' back line.
Durkin spoke about what the achievement means to her. "It was such an honor to see that I made second team this year. It's my first time getting this recognition, so being my final season as well has made this year very memorable for me."
The Dracut native gives the majority of the credit to her teammates. "I give almost all of the credit to my team this season. Any points I earned this year were due to my teammates, who were able to make my passes/corner kicks into key plays for our team. We came together as a whole this season, and I'm proud of absolutely all of them and wish I could share this recognition."
A particular game that resonates with her was on September 23, when Salem State played against Framingham State, which the Vikings won by a score of 2-1. "My favorite moment this season was a winning goal against Framingham [State] by Jenna Mitza. Mitza made a great run and was able to make contact with my corner and secure us the win, which was a great moment for our team this season."
She spoke about what Pfefferle and Paquette means to her. "Playing with Lily and Brenna these past four years has been awesome. Lily was welcoming from the moment I stepped on the turf with her. She is an awesome player, who is everyone's biggest hype woman on and off the field, and will definitely leave some big shoes to fill next year. Brenna has always brought the intensity as a player whether into in practices or games; her work ethic is top-notch. Off the field, she is one of the nicest people you'll meet. She was a huge asset to our team this year, and next season I know she'll be dominating the field again."
The business major spoke about what she is going to miss the most about wearing the Vikings' uniform. "I will forever be grateful to have gotten to wear the Vikings' uniform. It brought me friendships with my favorite people and allowed me to continue playing a game I love. It's definitely a bitter sweet moment walking away, but I will never forget the memories I've made here."
Paquette expressed what being named first-team means to her. "Being named first team all-conference is a great feeling. There have been many great players both past and present, who have been named first team all-conference and I am proud to now [to] be a part of that group."
She talked about what was her reaction was after hearing the news. "I was surprised and excited when I found out about making first team all-conference. I felt very fortunate to see my name alongside some other really great players in the MASCAC."
Paquette broke the news that she is coming back for her fifth season. "Being a part of the Viking athletic community has been a great experience for me this far. I've gotten to meet some really awesome teammates and lifelong friends along the way. It is safe to say that I will be returning for my 5th year, so I am excited to continue to be a part of this great atmosphere for just a little longer."
A game that resonated with her was on September 30 when Salem State faced Mass. Maritime at Alumni Field. "Mass. Maritime is a game that has stuck out to me this season. We knew going into that game that it was going to be a battle. I have always been nervous taking PKs, but with having the support of this year's team, I knew they would support me whether the ball made it into the back of the net or not. Knowing that in the back of my head, I was able to put two PKs away. Without my teammates hard work and support, I wouldn't have been able to capitalize on those opportunities."
The senior talked about what teammates Pfefferle and Durkin mean to her. "Syd[ney] and Lily have both been a part of this team for as long as I have been. I cannot imagine this team without them. I have been so lucky to play with a keeper as amazing as Lily. She consistently stepped up her game and just got better and better each year. Her ability to keep and maintain team morale is like nothing I've ever seen before and will definitely be missed next season. Syd[ney] has always been tough to beat in the back with her speed and skill. She's also been our go-to corner kick girl for the past four years, and many of those serves have led to goals. Both Lily and Syd[ney] have made a huge impact on this team over the course of their time here, and having their names next to mine on the all-conference teams means a lot to me."
Pfefferle talked about being named first- team all-conference. "It feels like such an honor for me to have been chosen. This is the highest achievement I have earned in my athletic career and I'm so proud to have gotten it as a senior!"
She mentioned how much credit she gave her teammates during the season. "I can't quite put into words how proud I am of my team this season. From the moment we stepped on the field this preseason, everyone was dialed in and ready to go. As a goalkeeper, I am entirely dependent on the girls in front of me, and I couldn't be more grateful for the group we had this year."
A game that resonates with her was against Framingham on September 23 when Salem State held on for 2-1 victory. "Our win against Framingham was a very important team victory. We played every minute of that game and the celebration after was everything! Another game that stands out was against Bridgewater, which was definitely one of the strongest performances of my entire career."
The Minnesota native talked about what she is going to miss the most about wearing the Vikings' uniform and being a part of the community. "I'm going to miss everything that has to do with being a part of this team. I'm going to miss pregame in the locker room, long bus rides, overnight trips to the middle of nowhere, and the clicking of our cleats on the ramp."
Pfefferle talked about what Brenna and Sydney mean to her. "Getting to play with them for the past three seasons has been an absolute honor! Coach [Wood] did a fantastic job recruiting their class. Bren[na] is such a dynamic player and is truly the backbone of this team. Syd[ney] is one of the hardest workers I've ever seen play the game of soccer. I admire them both so much for their work ethic, composure, and leadership. They both deserve every bit of recognition!"