By Adam Levine
Sports Editor
By Dante Curry
Staff Writer
The Framingham State Rams field hockey team’s season ended with a 2-0 loss to the Worcester State Lancers in the MASCAC Championship game Nov. 4.
Senior captain, midfielder Angeline Serra, said, “I am so proud of what we did this season as a team.
“We don’t know the last time Framingham State field hockey has made it to the championship game, so that itself is a huge accomplishment,” she added.
Senior captain, defender Cori Lawson, said her sophomore year the team celebrated ending the season with five wins, which was highpoint for Rams’ field hockey.
“The team has come such a long way, and the way this season went makes me so excited for what’s to come,” she said.
Junior captain, forward Kaylee Beck, said, “To the MASCAC, we might not seem like champions.
“But to my team, my coaches, and myself, we won that game in so many aspects,” she added.
The game came after a clutch double-overtime win over Westfield earlier in the week.
Framingham ended their season with an overall record of 11-10 and a MASCAC record of 5-5.
This is an improvement from records of 10-8 and 4-13 during the 2022 and 2021 seasons, respectively.
Beck said the team “chemistry” improved this season.
She said, “Last year, we had a great team, but by far, this year's FSU field hockey program is unmatched.
“Every girl wanted to be here and improve in their own ways every day,” Beck added.
The Rams began the season 0-3, but then won their next three games.
This back and forth, up and down, win, lose, win, lose pattern, would follow the Rams all season.
Framingham never won, or lost, more than three consecutive games.
Lawson said, “There were so many highs of the season. Every playoff game felt special. Making the championship was certainly a high.
“In smaller, less obvious victories, only losing in OT to Plymouth is something that this team, even last year, couldn't imagine.
“Overall, even in wins and losses, this season does not have many big low moments,” she added.
In the 2023 MASCAC Field Hockey Preseason Poll, the Rams tied for second place. The preseason poll held true and the Rams lost in the conference finals.
Even though their season ended in a loss, the Rams had a spectacular award-winning season, action packed with five overtime wins.
Among Framingham’s individual standouts are Head Coach Allie Lucenta and freshman forward Ashley Malmquist.
Lucenta earned 2023 BSN Sports Field Hockey Coach of the Year and Malmquist earned 2023 MASCAC Rookie of the Year.
Malmquist said, “Honestly, coming into this season, I was not expecting to have as successful a season as I did individually and as a team.
“I feel honored to be named Rookie of the Year and can thank everyone who has been by my side for allowing me to play with confidence.
“The team had a great season and I’m so proud of everyone and what we accomplished as individuals and a team,” she added.
Midfielder Bella Kondi and defender Cori Lawson, both of whom are senior captains, joined Malmquist as members of the MASCAC All-Conference First Team.
Senior forward Brandi Core earned a spot on the MASCAC All-Conference Second Team.
The Rams’ roster had seven seniors and a graduate student this season and most will not compete next year.
Beck said, “The impact of playing with graduating seniors is unmatched.
“It’s heartbreaking to know I have to see them go, but I am so proud of them and can’t wait to see what they do with their degrees in the upcoming years,” she added.
Framingham tucked away their sticks for now, but are optimistic for next season.
Kondi said, “I think this team is only going to grow.
“Hopefully, the lessons that have been learned from this season and foundations that have been set will aid the underclassmen in striving for a MASCAC championship,” she added.
Malmquist said, “I think next year, we are going to come back stronger and hungrier for wins and that we will take the MASCAC by storm again.”
Beck said, “The fans should expect to see this team in the championship again next season.
“And hopefully, that time with a medal around us,” she added.