Three Worcester State Student-Athletes Earn MASCAC Weekly Accolades

WORCESTER, Mass. – Three Worcester State student-athletes were awarded with Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) weekly accolades for their performances from April 18-24.

Women’s Lacrosse

Senior midfielder, Jackie Connors (Ashland, Mass.) was named the MASCAC women’s lacrosse player of the week as she collected six goals and 16 assists for 22 points in a 2-1 week for the Lancers. In addition to her scoring, she tallied14 draw controls, five ground balls, and four caused turnovers.

Connors netted two goals and a school-tying record seven assists in the 18-5 win over MCLA. She then broke the school record with eight assists and added in two goals just two days later in the 21-10 win over Rhode Island College.

"Jackie is one of the hardest working players on the field, and also happens to be one of our primary playmakers," stated head coach Deb Draper. "Despite her being one of the best goal scorers I have ever worked with, she has told me that she values assists even more than she does goals. I am very happy that she was able to achieve the career and school record with eight tonight."

In the 14-8 setback to Fitchburg State, she chipped in two goals and an assist to finish the week out.

“Jackie has worked hard throughout the season and it is gratifying that she has gained this recognition from the Conference,” commented Draper.  “We are all very proud of her.”

Softball

Junior infielder, Dakota Smith-Porter (Montague, Mass.) was named the MASCAC Softball Player of the week for her offensive performance in the Lancers’ 6-0 week.

She batted .617 (13-21) with four doubles, two home runs, six runs scored, 12 RBI and a 1.095 slugging percentage.

“Dakota has been a consistent contributor throughout,” commented head coach Michelle Cote. “She is a no frills get the job done kind of player.  She has a ‘Gladiator’ mentality while in the midst of competition.”

She went 4-for-7 with two doubles, a home run, three runs scored and six RBI in the doubleheader sweep of Framingham State. She then went 5-for-8 with a home run, run scored and five RBI in the doubleheader sweep of Salem State along with going 4-for-6 with two doubles, RBI and two runs scored in the doubleheader sweep of Nichols College.

“She is her toughest critic and will tell you she is constantly trying to outdo the opponent as well as herself athletically,” added Cote.  “She is an asset to the team on the field as well as in the dugout. The player of the week honor is well deserved.”

Men’s Outdoor Track & Field

Junior thrower, Sam Weeks (Methuen, Mass.) was named the MASCAC Men’s Field Athlete of the Week for his performances at the Springfield College Classic on Apr. 23.

Weeks took the top spot in both the discus (46.67m) and the shot put (14.98m) and marked a second place finish in the hammer (49.15m) for a combined 28 points. He qualified for all Division New England, Division III New England, and ECACs.

Honor Roll

Junior outfielder, Jake Ryan (Northbridge, Mass.) batted .320 with two doubles, two RBI, four runs scored and four stolen bases in seven games for the Lancers. Went 2-for-3 with a double and a walk in the 4-0 setback to Framingham State and 2-for-4 with a walk, stolen base and two runs scored in the 7-6 win over Salve Regina.

Senior pitcher, Meghan Rich (Chelmsford, Mass.) went 4-0 this past week, registering a 1.88 ERA with six strikeouts in 26 innings pitched. Pitched back-to-back wins in the sweep of Framingham State, allowing 14 hits and three earned runs with four strikeouts. She earned two more wins in the sweep of Salem State, allowing 17 hits, three earned runs and five strikeouts over the 13 innings in the victory.

Senior Benjamin Dussault (Assonet, Mass.) had a second place finish in the 200 Meter Dash (22.47) and fourth place finish in the 100 Meter Dash (11.13) to qualify for Division III New England’s at the Springfield College Classic.

Senior Molly Downing (Dedham, Mass.) broke the Worcester State University school record in the hammer at 46.74m, grabbing third place in the event at the Springfield College Classic to qualify for both Division III New England and ECAC Championships.

Senior Dalena Le (Worcester, Mass.) came in fourth place in the 200 Meter Dash in a time of 26.51 and marked a third place finish in the women’s triple jump (10.62m) to qualify for Division III New England Championships at the Springfield College Classic.