Trio of Women's Soccer Players Earn Honors
Three Lady Cougars Named All-New England
Three members of the Lady Cougars' soccer team have been named to the 2022 All-New England (All-Region) team. A pair of players earned first team honors with the other gaining second team honors. One of the three All-Region selections additionally earned the HCC team's Player Award and another of the All-Region selections earned the team's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.
Makayla Santos (South Deerfield, MA / Frontier Regional HS) - First Year - Center Midfielder - #12
2022 - 1st Team All-New England, Lady Cougars Most Valuable Player, Team Captain
Santos was the Lady Cougars' most dynamic and offensively gifted player, leading the team in goals and overall points. Santos scored ten goals, which accounted for just under half of the teams total for the season, including three game-winners. A speedy center midfielder, Santos had to constantly display her outstanding defensive skills, which were equally as impressive as her offensive skills.
Donna Viel (Woronoco, MA / Gateway Regional HS) - First Year - Goalkeeper - #8
2022 - 1st Team All-New England
Viel was Holyoke's goalkeeper and one of the team's most impressive performers this season. She registered four shutouts and was in the net for every minute of the Cougars' 15 games. Viel made a remarkable 184 saves this season, the second highest total by any goalie in the country in NJCAA Division III soccer. Viel tallied two assists with her strong punt and was fourth in the country in minutes played by a goalkeeper.
Carinéh Santana (Holyoke, MA / Springfield Renaissance HS) - Second Year - Defender - #18
2022 - 2nd Team All-New England, Lady Cougars Player Award, Team Captain
Santana was the Lady Cougars' right back and sole returner from the previous season. One of the team's co-captains, Santana was the group's true leader from the start of the season. A wonderful, hard-working young lady who carries herself with class both on and off the field, Santana perfectly exemplifies what a Lady Cougar soccer player should be, thus earning the team's Player Award honor.
Photo: Santos awaits a corner kick during an early season home game.