Posted: Nov 03, 2011
Taylor Teixeira (Extern, N.H.) and Emily Sawchuck (Cumberland, Maine) each received major awards in recognition for their contributions to an Endicott team that went 9-1 in CCC play this year. Teixeira was named Defensive Player of the Year, while Sawchuck was tabbed as the Rookie of the Year. Both were also named to the All-CCC First Team.
Joining Teixeira and Sawchuck on the First Team were junior forwards Taylor Matties (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) and Hannah Thornberg (Oakland, Maine) and freshman defender Meghan Leary (Hampton Falls, N.H.). Junior forward Melissa Enright (York Beach, Maine) and senior defender Courtney Dronsfield (Penfield, N.Y.) were both named to the CCC Second Team.
Teixeira, a junior goalkeeper, has been a vital component to the Endicott defense. Leading one of the stingiest defenses, Teixeira ranked first in the conference with a .781 save percentage and fourth with 118 saves on the season. Teixeira blanked opponents four times in the regular season, while compiling a goals against average of 1.89 to place second among CCC keepers in each category. At one point in the season she held opponents scoreless for over 200 minutes and currently has given up just three goals in her last six games.
Sawchuck, a freshman forward, has enjoyed a stellar inaugural campaign for the Gulls, scoring fourteen goals in the regular season. The talented newcomer entered the CCC Championship with a league-best six game-winning goals and 0.88 goals per game, ranking fifth in the conference with 19 total points in 16 overall games played. Among team members, she places in the top 10 in all major offensive categories, including ranking second in points and goals. Her goals per game average ranks her 46th in the nation among NCAA Division III players.
Matties has been an assist machine for Endicott this year, racking up 12 helpers to lead both the team and the conference. Her 0.67 assists per game ties her for tenth in all of NCAA Division III. Matties has also added two goals this year and is fourth on the team with 14 points.
Thornberg led the team in goals for the second straight season, tallying 15 markers and 5 assists. Her 35 points was also tops in the squad. Thornberg started in all 21 of the Gull's games this year and took 153 of their 239 penalty corners.
Leary is an outstanding central defender with dangerous stick skills, who combines patience and timing with tenacity. She controls the most skilled offensive players in the conference and is critical in the team’s transition game, supplying great vision, poise and tackling skills. She has also gotten on the scoresheet for the Gulls with one goal this season.
Enright, a junior forward, is arguably the greatest offensive threat for the Gulls. After Thursday’s semifinal game, Enright has scored 14 goals this year, including three game-winning goals and has converted six of seven opportunities from the penalty spot. Enright also has four assists and is second on the team with 32 points. Her conference numbers are even more impressive, as 10 of her goals and two of her game-winners have come in CCC contests.
Dronsfield is a senior captain and the only four year member of the Endicott field hockey team. She has been named three times to NFHCA National Academic Team and has received numerous team and school awards for her leadership and representation of Endicott College Athletics.
The Gulls defeated Gordon College 2-0 in Thursday’s CCC Semifinal match and will now host the championship game on Saturday at 1:00 pm against University of New England. The Gulls and Nor’easters are 1-1 against each other this season, with each team winning at home to deliver the other’s only loss in the conference.
