Lesley University freshman Mekenzi Golden (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) headlined the postseason awards for the New England Collegiate Conference Champion Lynx as she was named 2014 NECC Softball Rookie of the Year. Golden ranked among the leaders in nearly every statistical category in the conference as she finished seventh in the NECC with a .444 average, tied for first with 28 hits, tied for second with three home runs, tied for third in RBI with 16, tied for third with five doubles, and tied for second with 22 runs scored. Golden was also placed on the NECC First Team All-Conference.
Joining the rookie on the First Team was junior Jodee Doka (Sacramento, Calif.) and seniors Allison Fountain (Cheshire, Conn.) and Nicole Mercurio (Wakefield, Mass.). Senior Maria Nazzaro (North Reading, Mass.) was voted to the NECC Second Team All-Conference.
This marks the first time Doka has been honored with a postseason award. The junior right fielder hit a scorching .491 in 17 conference games this season, collecting 28 hits and 22 runs scored.
Mercurio was named to the First Team for the second straight season. The senior led the team with 17 RBI and six doubles while appearing in all 18 NECC games. Overall on the season, Mercurio finished second on the team with 27 RBI while compiling a .382 batting average.
After being named to the Second Team in both 2012 and 2013, Fountain was voted to the NECC First Team in her senior season. The backstop held down the top spot in the Lynx lineup for most of the season, posting a .419 batting average as she collected hits in 15 of 18 conference games.
Nazzaro patrolled the Lesley outfield from her centerfield post, showcasing incredible range and one of the strongest arms in the NECC. At the plate, Nazzaro finished with a .340 average with 10 RBI and 11 runs scored in 18 conference contests, while finishing second on the team with six steals.
The rest of the NECC Postseason Awards are below. Please click here to see the official release.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Beth Grimes, Elms (Jr, P - Terryville, Conn.)
PITCHER OF THE YEAR
Beth Grimes, Elms (Jr, P - Terryville, Conn.)
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Mekenzi Golden, Lesley (Fr, UTIL - Laguna Niguel, Calif.)
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jillian Ortega, Mitchell
TEAM SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Wheelock College
FIRST TEAM ALL CONFERENCE
Lindsey Clark, Newbury (Fr, 3B/SS - Venice, Fla.)
Jodee Doka, Lesley (Jr, OF - Sacramento, Calif.)
Alyssa Donovan, Newbury (So, SS/UTL - West Haven, Conn.)
Allison Fountain, Lesley (Sr, C - Cheshire, Conn.)
Mekenzi Golden, Lesley (Fr, UTIL - Laguna Niguel, Calif.)
Beth Grimes, Elms (Jr, P - Terryville, Conn.)
Jenny Groman, Mitchell (So, OF - New Britain, Conn.)
Lauren Lavalle, Becker (Jr, 2B - Millbury, Mass.)
Sheri Liggiero, Newbury (So, OF - Tewksbury, Mass.)
Nicole Mercurio, Lesley (Sr, 1B/P - Wakefield, Mass.)
Kelsey Norberg, Becker (So, P - Uxbridge, Mass.)
Jessica Wheelahan, Becker (So, OF - Watertown, Conn.)
SECOND TEAM ALL CONFERENCE
Jenna Casello, Regis (Mass.) (Fr, OF - Westborough, Mass.)
Mallory Celeste, Southern Vt. (Fr, 3B/OF - Gansevoort, N.Y.)
Brittany Fiederlein, Mitchell (Fr, P - Hampton, Conn.)
Erika Garay, Southern Vt. (Sr, OF - Walnut, Calif.)
Olivia Kenyon, Newbury (Jr, P/UTL - Canton, Mass.)
Alyssa McKinnon, Regis (Mass.) (So, 1B - Raynham, Mass.)
Maria Nazzaro, Lesley (Sr, OF - North Reading, Mass.)
Shannon O'Neil, Mitchell (So, 1B - Chicopee, Mass.)
Marina Rhodes, Bay Path (Jr., 2B/P - Providence, R.I.)
Kierstan Skinner, Elms (So, C/SS - South Windsor, Conn.)
Lauryn Zovistoski, Southern Vt. (Fr, SS/P - Granville, N.Y.)
HONORABLE MENTION
Jessica Brochu, Becker (Jr, 3B - Hardwick, Vt.)
Keelin Dougherty, Bay Path (Sr., P/IN - Northfield, N.H.)
Emily Fleming, Southern Vt. (Jr, P/1B - Saratoga Springs, N.Y.)
Katie Haney, Newbury (Sr, MIF/OF - Winchendon, Mass.)
Emily Humphries, Newbury (Fr, C/1B - Westborough, Mass.)