St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s field hockey team swept the United East Conference Field Hockey Player of the Week awards, announced Monday afternoon (Oct. 21). Junior Emma Watkins was named Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season, while fellow junior Jena Vanskiver earned Defensive Player of the Week honors. Their outstanding performances contributed to St. Mary’s College’s undefeated week, with three victories over Wilson College, Meredith College, and Keystone College.
Watkins, a forward from Frederick, Maryland, had a stellar week, scoring five goals across the three games. She began the week with a two-goal performance in a 3-0 shutout against Wilson College on October 16, including the game-winning goal. The very next day, she repeated the feat with two more goals in a dominant 7-0 victory over Meredith College. Watkins concluded the week by adding another goal in the Seahawks’ 3-0 win against Keystone College on October 19. These efforts helped solidify the Seahawks’ position atop the United East Conference standings.
So far this season, Watkins has tallied nine goals, placing her in a tie for second in the United East Conference. Her total of 18 points ranks seventh in the conference.
On the defensive side, Vanskiver from Fallston, Maryland, played a crucial role in securing the Seahawks’ victories. The junior defender was instrumental in the team’s two shutout wins, helping to limit Wilson College and Meredith College to a combined nine shots, with just six on goal. In addition to her defensive contributions, she assisted on a goal in the win against Meredith. Her standout moment came in the match against Keystone, where she not only made two key defensive saves but also scored the game-winning goal. Vanskiver currently leads the United East Conference with seven defensive saves.
The Seahawks, now 7-9 overall and 4-0 in conference play, are enjoying a strong run as the season progresses. They will face a significant challenge in their next matchup on Thursday, October 24, when they host No. 5 Christopher Newport University in a non-conference game at 4 p.m. The game, set to take place at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium, will also be dedicated to Morgan’s Message, an organization that raises awareness about mental health in athletes.
Watkins and Vanskiver are the latest recipients of weekly awards from the United East Conference, continuing a strong tradition of recognition for St. Mary’s College players this season. Watkins had previously been named Offensive Player of the Week on September 16, while Vanskiver’s award on October 21 is her first of the season.
The full list of United East Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for the 2024 season includes several familiar names, but Watkins and Vanskiver’s performances during St. Mary’s College’s recent undefeated week stand out.
