On Friday night, there was a changing of the guard as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy's women's lacrosse team celebrated its seniors, bidding farewell to its all-time offensive leader, Stephanie Hunt. In the ensuing 18-4 win over MCLA, however, it was freshman Casey Sullivan who staked her claim as the next goal-scoring leader of the Buccaneers and today, she was awarded her second MASCAC Rookie of the Week award.

Sullivan set seven Academy individual records in the victory, including most goals in a game (nine), most points in a game by a rookie (10), most goals in a season (44), and several others. In the game, the Sagamore Beach resident shot 13 times and put 11 on target, both single game records.

Adding in her performance in a 16-6 loss to Bridgewater State, Sullivan put an incredible 82% of shots on target in the week and stepped up on defense as well, picking up six groundballs and four draw controls while turning the ball over just once in her 11-point week.

The conference honored Sullivan for the second time in the last four weeks after teammate Anna Deely earned Rookie of the Week seven days earlier.

"It's hard for Casey and Anna as they are competing against each other for these awards!" observed Head Coach Marc Palombo. "These two rookies are the future of our program."

While the Bucs' two outstanding rookies jockey for the Rookie of the Year trophy, Hunt has hardly played second fiddle.

The Brookfield, Conn. native was tabbed to the MASCAC Honor Roll for the four times in five weeks for her efforts as well. Hunt had a sensational week, scoring 15 points in only two games, including an 11 point game against MASCAC foe MCLA that set MMA records for most points in a game (11), most assists in a game (6, tying her own record), and most points in a season (73, third in the MASCAC). She put a whopping 80 percent of her shots on target and also picked up nine groundballs and five draw controls.

"I wish we had one more year with Stephanie setting up Casey," remarked Palombo. "They are such an incredible combination. We will miss Stephanie and Mikayla [Correia]'s leadership next year."

Sullivan, Hunt, and the rest of the Buccaneers close out the season with two final MASCAC assignments, travelling to Framingham State (11-2, 3-1) for a Wednesday evening contest before returning home to conclude the year against Fitchburg State (7-6, 2-3). The contest will begin at 7 p.m. and a win in either could propel the Buccaneers to the playoffs. All are welcome to Clean Harbors Stadium and admission is free.

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Gabriel Fidler, Sports Information Associate