Often overlooked by those taking home weekly conference awards, there are many strong performances highlighted in the MASCAC’s honor roll every week. After all, there are only so many accolades to go around, but putting something of a spotlight on other great student-athletes is a nice touch.
Look no further than the weekly field hockey awards. Fitchburg State’s Jenna Morse took home Defensive Player of the Week and teammate Autumn Tibbetts was named Rookie of the Week, while Worcester State’s Grace Adams, a Leominster High grad, was tabbed Player of the Week.
There were plenty of other strong showings across the conference in the week prior, including a great game by Worcester State netminder Sam Gastonguay against the Falcons. The senior backstop and former Oakmont Regional standout made four saves with a 1.00 GAA and .800 save percentage in the Lancers’ 2-1 win over Fitchburg State, earning a spot on the honor roll.
Likewise, Fitchburg State’s Jessica Greco earned the Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week honor, but teammate Stephanie Sardella picked up an honor roll nod after registering 29 kills, three assists, nine aces, 35 digs and one blocking assist in a 3-0 week for the Falcons.
In women’s cross country, Fitchburg State’s Skye Goba, earned recognition after finishing 20th out of 183 runners at the Keene State Invitational. The sophomore completed the 5K course with an average mile time of 6:22.
On the men’s side, Fitchburg State’s Michael Burns was highlighted after finishing 27th out of 232 runners at Keene State. The sophomore crossed the finish line in 27:04, with an average mile of 5:33 over the 8K layout.
Fitchburg State sophomore linebacker Camren Topkin earned a nod after posting 13 tackles — including four solo stops — to go with half a sack, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery in the Falcons’ loss to Bridgewater State on Saturday.
Jones does it again at UNE
Former St. Bernard’s standout Damien Jones continued his strong freshman campaign for the University of New England on Saturday, notching a pair of touchdowns as the Nor’Easters downed Castleton, 31-14.
Jones scored on runs of eight and two yards, popping in the first two touchdowns of the day for UNE, which opened a 21-0 lead after the opening quarter and never looked back.
On the day, the Fitchburg native tallied 29 yards on six carries. Jones and the Nor’Easters return to action on Oct. 14, welcoming Nichols to Biddeford, Maine, for a Commonwealth Coast Conference contest at 1 p.m.