BY CAROLINE BUNNELL
For senior Molly Hughes, her 200th career point was the perfect way to culminate the ending of her senior year and journey with the Stonehill Women’s Lacrosse team.
“Scoring my 200th point marked a significant milestone in my journey. It represented years of dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of my teammates,” Hughes said.
The attacker from Franklin Square, NY became the 16th player in team history to reach this impressive milestone from an assist during the April 6 victory over Wagner College.
Hughes was particularly proud that the 200th point came from an assist rather than a solo goal as a representation of her commitment to the team.
“Achieving this milestone, particularly through an assist, was immensely gratifying as it reflected my commitment to elevating the team as a whole,” Hughes said.
Hughes has had an illustrious athletic career at Stonehill and has been awarded several awards including an NE10 Rookie of the Week in 2020, NEC Co-player of the Week in 2023, as well as being named to the All-NEC Conference 2nd Team in 2023, and NEC Player of the Week for the first week of April 2024. She has also been named an NEC Prime Performer a team-leading five times.
She credits her success to a combination of factors and has been proud of her accomplishments at Stonehill.
“I believe that my success on the team can be attributed to a combination of factors. Hard work and dedication are certainly at the forefront, but so is teamwork and communication. Lacrosse is a team sport, and no one person can succeed alone,” Hughes said. “I'm fortunate to have had incredible coaches and teammates who have pushed me to be the best player and person I can be.”
Although she has been personal achievements, Hughes’ proudest lacrosse accomplishment was winning the NE10 conference championship in 2022. She emphasized the strong effort and determination from her teammates that led them to winning the game.
“It was a testament to the hard work and determination of everyone on the team as we had to come from behind multiple times in several games, and had to go to OT in the championship to win it. The team never gave up on each other. The feeling of hoisting that trophy with my teammates is something I'll never forget,” Hughes said.
After the success as a division II team in the NE10, there has been several challenges with the switch to Division I. She noted that it has been difficult but also a good challenge to compete against some of the best teams in the country.
“Adjusting to the increased intensity and pace of play was a learning curve, but ultimately, it made me a better player and competitor and I am grateful for the opportunity,” Hughes said.
The Women’s Lacrosse Team has an overall record of 6-8 with a 5-3 record in the NEC. Despite the challenges that this season has brought, Hughes is proud of the way her team has overcame the adversity. She noted the growth the team has already experienced and her confidence in their ability to succeed.
Throughout her time on the team, Hughes emphasized the unbreakable bonds that she has made with her teammates and how much she has changed during her journey at Stonehill.
“My time on the lacrosse team at Stonehill has been nothing short of transformative. It's been a privilege to be a part of such a dedicated and talented group of individuals. The camaraderie and sense of belonging I've experienced have made it an unforgettable journey. It's not just about the wins and losses; it's about the bonds forged and the lessons learned both on and off the field,” Hughes said.
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