University of Massachusets Athletics
November 03, 2026 | Field Hockey
UMass received four major awards along with six All-MAC and two All-Freshman Team honors
AMHERST, Mass. – Following a historic regular season, the UMass field hockey team picked up four major MAC awards on Tuesday while six Minutewomen were named All-Conference, with two All-Freshman Team honorees. Niamh McKenzie was named Offensive Player of the Year, Rozárie Mrázová garnered Goalkeeper of the Year, Amber Fairon earned Freshman of the Year and Barb Weinberg was named Coach of the Year.
In total, UMass picked up four of the five major conference awards. The four major awards tied for the most in program history, along with 2024 when the Minutewomen had four in the Atlantic 10. McKenzie, Mrázová and Fairon were named to the All-MAC First Team, along with Emily Barrett and Elani Sherwood. The Minutewomen had a conference-high five out of the 11 first-team honorees. Neva Eisenga was named to the second team, with Fairon and Isla Campbell earning a spot on the All-Freshman Team.
The MAC Offensive Player of the Year, McKenzie leads the Minutewomen in both goals (19) and points (45) on the season. She stands second in the nation in total goals and total points. McKenzie has two hat tricks and five multi-goal efforts. A two-time MAC Offensive Player of the Week, McKenzie had back-to-back hat tricks (at Bellarmine and Longwood), becoming just the second player in the nation to accomplish that feat this season. McKenzie's goals have come at big times; she scored two goals, including the game-winner against No. 8 Liberty, assisted on the go-ahead/game-winning goal at No. 3 Harvard and scored a goal in the win over No. 14 Miami.
This marks the fourth straight season a UMass player has earned conference Goalkeeper of the Year, with Myrte Van Herwijnen winning it the past three. A two-time MAC Goalkeeper of the Week, Mrázová currently leads the nation in goals against average (0.64) and stands second in save percentage (81.8) as the back line of UMass' nation's leading defense. The highlight game came against No. 14 Miami when Mrázová made a career-high 13 saves to help the Minutewomen to a big win, earning her MAC Goalkeeper of the Week honors. She hasn't allowed a goal in eight of her 14 games played on the season, finishing the regular season with a five-save shutout of James Madison.
UMass' third conference Rookie of the Year in the last five seasons, Fairon has enjoyed a sensational freshman season, standing second in the nation in goals per game (1.06) and sixth in points per contest (2.38). Her 17 total goals and 38 points are both second on the team. In her second career game, Fairon scored four goals at Maine, tied for the second most goals in program history. She later had a hat trick at Longwood. She's scored at least one goal in 10 of her 16 games played, turning into a force on attacking penalty corners – while also scoring her fair share of field goals as well. Fairon has four multi-goal games on the season, also scoring twice against Ohio and at Bellarmine. She scored the equalizing goal in the third quarter in September's huge win at third-ranked Harvard, giving the Crimson what remains their only loss of the season.
Weinberg was named conference coach of the year for the third time in the last six years, winning it in 2021 and 2024 in the Atlantic 10. She, along with her assistant coaches Holly Turbill and Simon van de Loo, have helped build one of the nation's top programs. The Minutewomen enter the MAC Tournament at 17-1, owning the most regular season wins in the nation and the program's most since 1992. This season, UMass currently owns the nation's top offense, defense and scoring margin. The Minutewomen have 50 wins since the start of the 2024 season, which is top five nationally.
Sherwood was named All-Conference for the third time in as many years and first time on the first time. As a freshman, she was named second team All-Atlantic 10 before earning the same honor in the MAC as a sophomore. Sherwood's impact extends far beyond the stat sheet, as she serves as a catalyst in the midfield and contributes on both ends of the field. For the season, she owns two goals and seven assists for 11 points. Sherwood has at least one point in nine of her 18 games played on the season, scoring goals at Bellarmine and against James Madison. Defensively, she's played an integral part in the Minutewomen leading the nation in goals against average (0.49) and allowing just 58 shots on goal in 18 games.
Barrett was named All-MAC for a second straight year after being named to the second team as a freshman. Barrett has been sensational this season, standing third on the team in both goals (14) and points (29). She is 14th nationally in goals per game (0.82) and 24th in points per contest (1.71). Barrett has three multi-goal games on the season while scoring a goal in 11 games. Her two-goal efforts came against Boston University, at Ball State and at Bellarmine. Barrett is a key member of UMass' defensive penalty corner unit that's one of the nation's best. She also had two defensive saves on the DPC in the final stages of the Ball State victory.
Meanwhile, Eisenga earned her first-career All-Conference honor, being named to the second team. Eisenga has impacted the game not only defensively, but also offensively, especially on the attacking penalty corner unit. She has helped anchor UMass' sensational defense that leads the nation in goals against average (0.49) and allowed just 58 shots on goal. Eisenga has added nine goals and 20 points (both fourth on the team). She scored three goals off corners in the course of one weekend earlier this month. She also had an all-important insurance goal in a September win at third-ranked Harvard, and had a goal and assist in a 3-0 win over James Madison.
Fairon and Isla Campbell were also named to the All-Freshman Team. Campbell stands fifth on the team in goals with seven and seventh in points with 17, enjoying a stellar rookie season. Campbell has scored in six games, including a two-goal effort at Kent State. She began her career with a point in her first four games, including an assist on Niamh McKenzie's game-winning goal against No. 8 Liberty with 2:38 remaining. She followed that up with a goal and assist vs. Maine then a goal against Boston University and UMass Lowell.
The Minutewomen, ranked No. 5 in this week's NFHCA Poll, are the No. 1 seed in the MAC Tournament. They will face fourth-seeded App State or fifth-seeded Kent State in the first semifinal on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN+.
2026 MAC Field Hockey Postseason Specialty Award Winners
Coach of the Year: Barb Weinberg, Massachusetts*
Offensive Player of the Year: Niamh McKenzie, Graduate Student, Forward, Massachusetts*
Defensive Player of the Year: Malena Sabez, Sophomore, Midfielder, Miami
Goalkeeper of the Year: Rozárie Mrázová, Graduate Student, Massachusetts
Freshman of the Year: Amber Fairon, Forward, Massachusetts*
* - Unanimous selection
All-MAC First Team
Sophia Baxter, Senior, Defender/Midfielder, App State
Eva Usoz, Senior, Forward/Midfielder, Kent State
Azul Covarrubias, Senior, Defender, James Madison
Emily Barrett, Sophomore, Forward, Massachusetts
Amber Fairon, Freshman, Forward, Massachusetts
Niamh McKenzie, Graduate Student, Forward, Massachusetts
Elani Sherwood, Junior, Midfielder, Massachusetts
Kylie Coughlin, Senior, Back, Miami
Justina Intzes, Sophomore, Striker, Miami
Malena Sabez, Sophomore, Midfielder, Miami
GK: Rozárie Mrázová, Graduate Student, Massachusetts
All-MAC Second Team
Chloe Hook, Freshman, Forward, App State
Mora Rulli, Sophomore, Midfielder/Forward, Central Michigan
Brynna Hill, Senior, Midfielder, James Madison
Avery Ruckman, Junior, Forward, James Madison
Emma Smit, Freshman, Forward, James Madison
Neva Eisenga, Senior, Defender/Midfielder, Massachusetts
Bet Gifra, Sophomore, Forward, Miami
Maxima Aguirregomezcorta, Freshman, Midfielder, Miami
Sloane Wearren, Senior, Midfielder, Miami
Deborah James, Junior, Back, Ohio
GK: Macarena Gonzalez, Sophomore, Miami
All-Freshman Team
Chloe Hook, Forward, App State
Morgan Hook, Midfielder, App State
Wende de Witte, Midfielder, Bellarmine
Diede Donders, Forward, James Madison
Emma Smit, Forward, James Madison
Ryli Zee, Defender, Kent State
Isla Campbell, Forward, Massachusetts
Amber Fairon, Forward, Massachusetts
Toto Scarlatti, Midfielder, Miami
Maxima Aguirregomezcorta, Midfielder, Miami
Tori Cisney, Midfielder, Ohio
In total, UMass picked up four of the five major conference awards. The four major awards tied for the most in program history, along with 2024 when the Minutewomen had four in the Atlantic 10. McKenzie, Mrázová and Fairon were named to the All-MAC First Team, along with Emily Barrett and Elani Sherwood. The Minutewomen had a conference-high five out of the 11 first-team honorees. Neva Eisenga was named to the second team, with Fairon and Isla Campbell earning a spot on the All-Freshman Team.
The MAC Offensive Player of the Year, McKenzie leads the Minutewomen in both goals (19) and points (45) on the season. She stands second in the nation in total goals and total points. McKenzie has two hat tricks and five multi-goal efforts. A two-time MAC Offensive Player of the Week, McKenzie had back-to-back hat tricks (at Bellarmine and Longwood), becoming just the second player in the nation to accomplish that feat this season. McKenzie's goals have come at big times; she scored two goals, including the game-winner against No. 8 Liberty, assisted on the go-ahead/game-winning goal at No. 3 Harvard and scored a goal in the win over No. 14 Miami.
This marks the fourth straight season a UMass player has earned conference Goalkeeper of the Year, with Myrte Van Herwijnen winning it the past three. A two-time MAC Goalkeeper of the Week, Mrázová currently leads the nation in goals against average (0.64) and stands second in save percentage (81.8) as the back line of UMass' nation's leading defense. The highlight game came against No. 14 Miami when Mrázová made a career-high 13 saves to help the Minutewomen to a big win, earning her MAC Goalkeeper of the Week honors. She hasn't allowed a goal in eight of her 14 games played on the season, finishing the regular season with a five-save shutout of James Madison.
UMass' third conference Rookie of the Year in the last five seasons, Fairon has enjoyed a sensational freshman season, standing second in the nation in goals per game (1.06) and sixth in points per contest (2.38). Her 17 total goals and 38 points are both second on the team. In her second career game, Fairon scored four goals at Maine, tied for the second most goals in program history. She later had a hat trick at Longwood. She's scored at least one goal in 10 of her 16 games played, turning into a force on attacking penalty corners – while also scoring her fair share of field goals as well. Fairon has four multi-goal games on the season, also scoring twice against Ohio and at Bellarmine. She scored the equalizing goal in the third quarter in September's huge win at third-ranked Harvard, giving the Crimson what remains their only loss of the season.
Weinberg was named conference coach of the year for the third time in the last six years, winning it in 2021 and 2024 in the Atlantic 10. She, along with her assistant coaches Holly Turbill and Simon van de Loo, have helped build one of the nation's top programs. The Minutewomen enter the MAC Tournament at 17-1, owning the most regular season wins in the nation and the program's most since 1992. This season, UMass currently owns the nation's top offense, defense and scoring margin. The Minutewomen have 50 wins since the start of the 2024 season, which is top five nationally.
Sherwood was named All-Conference for the third time in as many years and first time on the first time. As a freshman, she was named second team All-Atlantic 10 before earning the same honor in the MAC as a sophomore. Sherwood's impact extends far beyond the stat sheet, as she serves as a catalyst in the midfield and contributes on both ends of the field. For the season, she owns two goals and seven assists for 11 points. Sherwood has at least one point in nine of her 18 games played on the season, scoring goals at Bellarmine and against James Madison. Defensively, she's played an integral part in the Minutewomen leading the nation in goals against average (0.49) and allowing just 58 shots on goal in 18 games.
Barrett was named All-MAC for a second straight year after being named to the second team as a freshman. Barrett has been sensational this season, standing third on the team in both goals (14) and points (29). She is 14th nationally in goals per game (0.82) and 24th in points per contest (1.71). Barrett has three multi-goal games on the season while scoring a goal in 11 games. Her two-goal efforts came against Boston University, at Ball State and at Bellarmine. Barrett is a key member of UMass' defensive penalty corner unit that's one of the nation's best. She also had two defensive saves on the DPC in the final stages of the Ball State victory.
Meanwhile, Eisenga earned her first-career All-Conference honor, being named to the second team. Eisenga has impacted the game not only defensively, but also offensively, especially on the attacking penalty corner unit. She has helped anchor UMass' sensational defense that leads the nation in goals against average (0.49) and allowed just 58 shots on goal. Eisenga has added nine goals and 20 points (both fourth on the team). She scored three goals off corners in the course of one weekend earlier this month. She also had an all-important insurance goal in a September win at third-ranked Harvard, and had a goal and assist in a 3-0 win over James Madison.
Fairon and Isla Campbell were also named to the All-Freshman Team. Campbell stands fifth on the team in goals with seven and seventh in points with 17, enjoying a stellar rookie season. Campbell has scored in six games, including a two-goal effort at Kent State. She began her career with a point in her first four games, including an assist on Niamh McKenzie's game-winning goal against No. 8 Liberty with 2:38 remaining. She followed that up with a goal and assist vs. Maine then a goal against Boston University and UMass Lowell.
The Minutewomen, ranked No. 5 in this week's NFHCA Poll, are the No. 1 seed in the MAC Tournament. They will face fourth-seeded App State or fifth-seeded Kent State in the first semifinal on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN+.
2026 MAC Field Hockey Postseason Specialty Award Winners
Coach of the Year: Barb Weinberg, Massachusetts*
Offensive Player of the Year: Niamh McKenzie, Graduate Student, Forward, Massachusetts*
Defensive Player of the Year: Malena Sabez, Sophomore, Midfielder, Miami
Goalkeeper of the Year: Rozárie Mrázová, Graduate Student, Massachusetts
Freshman of the Year: Amber Fairon, Forward, Massachusetts*
* - Unanimous selection
All-MAC First Team
Sophia Baxter, Senior, Defender/Midfielder, App State
Eva Usoz, Senior, Forward/Midfielder, Kent State
Azul Covarrubias, Senior, Defender, James Madison
Emily Barrett, Sophomore, Forward, Massachusetts
Amber Fairon, Freshman, Forward, Massachusetts
Niamh McKenzie, Graduate Student, Forward, Massachusetts
Elani Sherwood, Junior, Midfielder, Massachusetts
Kylie Coughlin, Senior, Back, Miami
Justina Intzes, Sophomore, Striker, Miami
Malena Sabez, Sophomore, Midfielder, Miami
GK: Rozárie Mrázová, Graduate Student, Massachusetts
All-MAC Second Team
Chloe Hook, Freshman, Forward, App State
Mora Rulli, Sophomore, Midfielder/Forward, Central Michigan
Brynna Hill, Senior, Midfielder, James Madison
Avery Ruckman, Junior, Forward, James Madison
Emma Smit, Freshman, Forward, James Madison
Neva Eisenga, Senior, Defender/Midfielder, Massachusetts
Bet Gifra, Sophomore, Forward, Miami
Maxima Aguirregomezcorta, Freshman, Midfielder, Miami
Sloane Wearren, Senior, Midfielder, Miami
Deborah James, Junior, Back, Ohio
GK: Macarena Gonzalez, Sophomore, Miami
All-Freshman Team
Chloe Hook, Forward, App State
Morgan Hook, Midfielder, App State
Wende de Witte, Midfielder, Bellarmine
Diede Donders, Forward, James Madison
Emma Smit, Forward, James Madison
Ryli Zee, Defender, Kent State
Isla Campbell, Forward, Massachusetts
Amber Fairon, Forward, Massachusetts
Toto Scarlatti, Midfielder, Miami
Maxima Aguirregomezcorta, Midfielder, Miami
Tori Cisney, Midfielder, Ohio
Players Mentioned
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