ATTLEBORO, Mass. – A year after being named New England Collegiate Conference Rookie of the Year, Lesley University sophomore Mekenzi Golden (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) has been named 2015 NECC Player of the Year and placed on the NECC All-Conference First Team. Junior Selena Quezada (West Covina, Calif.) and freshman Theresa Pereira (Hopedale, Mass.) joined Golden on the All-Conference Team as they both were voted to the Second Team.

Golden was ranked at the top of nearly every offensive statistical category in the NECC as she hit .476 with seven home runs, seven doubles, 31 RBI, while scoring 20 runs in 18 conference games this season. In 31 total games, the sophomore recorded a .433 batting average with seven homers, 13 doubles, one triple, 41 RBI, and 22 runs scored. This marks the second time Golden has been placed on the All-Conference First Team.

Quezada crushed NECC pitching as she registered a .469 batting average with two home runs, one double, 20 RBI, and 20 runs scored in 18 conference games. The junior also swiped three bags while displaying excellent defense at short stop for the Lynx.

Pereira posted up strong numbers in her rookie season, hitting .358 with a pair of doubles, 17 runs scored, four RBI, and four steals in 18 NECC games. The switch-hitter also controlled the outfield for the Lynx, patrolling centerfield and registering a .974 fielding percentage.

The complete list of NECC awards are below. Please click here to view the official release.

2015 NECC Softball Awards

Player of the Year – Mekenzie Golden, Lesley, So., IF/OF, Laguna Niguel, Calif.

Pitcher of the Year – Brittany Fiederlein, Mitchell, So., Hampton, Conn.

Rookie of the Year – Samantha DelConte, Mitchell, Catcher, FY, Enfield, Conn.

Coach of the Year – Cheryl Condon, Elms College

Team Sportsmanship Award – Wheelock College

2015 NECCC  Softball All-Conference First Team

• Catcher - Samantha DelConte, Mitchell, FY., Enfield, Conn.
• 1^st Base – Shannon O'Neil, Mitchell, Jr., Chicopee, Mass.
• 2^nd Base – Rivkah Berkman, Mitchell, Jr., New London, Conn.
• 3^rd Base – Lindsey Clark, Newbury, So., Venice, Fla.
• Shortstop – Alyssa Donovan, Newbury, Jr., West Haven, Conn.
• Outfield – Makenzie Golden, Lesley, So., Laguna Niguel,Calif.
• Outfield – Sheri Liggiero, Newbury, Jr., Tewksbury, Mass.
• Outfield – Jaclyn Orangio, Becker, Jr., Maynard, Mass.
• Pitcher – Brittany Fiederlein, Mitchell, So., Hampton, Conn.
• Pitcher – Bethany Grimes, Elms, Sr., Terryville, Conn. 

2015 NECC Softball All-Conference Second Team

• Catcher - Brianna Herforth, Becker, FY, Peru, Mass.
• 1^st Base – Alyssa McKinnon, Regis, Jr., Raynham, Mass.
• 2^nd Base – Marlena Karavolis, Becker, So., McMurray, Pa.
• 3^rd Base – Dylan Riccardi, Mitchell, Sr., Elmont, N.Y.
• Shortstop – Selena Quezada, Lesley, Jr., West Covina, Calif.
• Outfield – Noami Ricciotti, Newbury, So., Phoenix, Az.
• Outfield – Jessica Wheelahan, Becker, Jr., Watertown,Conn.
• Outfield – Theresa Pereira, Lesley, FY, Hopedale, Mass.
• Pitcher – Olivia Kenyon, Newbury,Sr., Canton, Mass.
• Pitcher – Kelsey Norberg, Becker, Jr., Uxbridge, Mass.

2015 NECC Softball All-Conference Honorable Mention

• Allison Caloggero, Regis, 3B, So., Medford, Mass.
• Gina Digiovanni, Elms, Sr., Shortstop, Springfield, Mass.
• Emily Fleming, Southern Vermont, 1B, Sr., Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
• Rachel Robtoy, Southern Vermont, 2B, Jr., Baltic, Conn.
• Kierstan Skinner, Elms, Jr., Catcher, South Windsor, Conn.