University of Massachusets Athletics
Curcio Named MAC Player of the Week
September 22, 2026 | Field Hockey
AMHERST, Mass. – UMass field hockey defender Chiara Curcio has been named MAC Defensive Player of the Week for a second time this season, as announced on Tuesday. Curcio was stellar all over the field as an anchor to one of the nation's top defensive units. She also tallied a goal and assist on the offensive end.
This marks the fourth straight week to begin the season that the Minutewomen feature a MAC weekly award winner.
Curcio helped spearhead a UMass defense that allowed just 10 total shots (only four on goal) over a 2-0 weekend as the Minutewomen outscored their opponents 9-0. UMass held its opponents without a single shot for five of the eight quarters over the weekend. In Friday's 6-0 MAC opening win over Ohio, the Minutewomen allowed just eight shots (three on goal), holding the Bobcacts without a shot for the game's first 27:24 and shot-less for the game's final 15:59. Offensively, Curcio dished her first-career assist on a penalty corner, then scored her first-career goal in the fourth quarter off another corner.
The success continued at UAlbany Sunday as she anchored a defense that allowed just two shots (one on goal) to the Great Danes. This came against a Great Danes' team that entered with a 3-2 record, was averaging 2.6 goals per game and hadn't been shut out this season. Since allowing two goals in the season-opening win against No. 8 Liberty, the Minutewomen have allowed just three goals over the last seven games and still only five for the season (in eight contests).
The Minutewomen, now ranked No. 4 in the most recent NFHCA Coaches Poll and in the first NCAA RPI, hit the road this weekend for a Friday showdown at Kent State (2 p.m.) and Sunday matchup at Central Michigan (1 p.m.).
This marks the fourth straight week to begin the season that the Minutewomen feature a MAC weekly award winner.
Curcio helped spearhead a UMass defense that allowed just 10 total shots (only four on goal) over a 2-0 weekend as the Minutewomen outscored their opponents 9-0. UMass held its opponents without a single shot for five of the eight quarters over the weekend. In Friday's 6-0 MAC opening win over Ohio, the Minutewomen allowed just eight shots (three on goal), holding the Bobcacts without a shot for the game's first 27:24 and shot-less for the game's final 15:59. Offensively, Curcio dished her first-career assist on a penalty corner, then scored her first-career goal in the fourth quarter off another corner.
The success continued at UAlbany Sunday as she anchored a defense that allowed just two shots (one on goal) to the Great Danes. This came against a Great Danes' team that entered with a 3-2 record, was averaging 2.6 goals per game and hadn't been shut out this season. Since allowing two goals in the season-opening win against No. 8 Liberty, the Minutewomen have allowed just three goals over the last seven games and still only five for the season (in eight contests).
The Minutewomen, now ranked No. 4 in the most recent NFHCA Coaches Poll and in the first NCAA RPI, hit the road this weekend for a Friday showdown at Kent State (2 p.m.) and Sunday matchup at Central Michigan (1 p.m.).
Players Mentioned
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/ Field HockeyMonday, September 21
Friday, September 18
Tuesday, September 15
Monday, September 14