The Masconomet girls’ soccer team finished off a historic season with an astounding 5-0

victory over Duxbury in the MIAA Division II state championship at Worcester State! This

long-awaited triumph marked the program’s first state title in 35 years, as well as the program’s

second state title of all time, solidifying their place in school history. Amanda Schneider, a

senior, delivered a jaw-dropping performance, scoring three goals to lead the Chieftains to

victory. Schneider’s hat trick made her just the sixth player in MIAA history to achieve this feat

in a championship game. Her first goal, a breathtaking 30-yard strike that curled perfectly under

the crossbar, set the tone for the game.

Schneider, an All-State selection committed to Colby College, added two more goals and

finished her senior season with 22 goals and 7 assists. Over her four-year varsity career, she

amassed 58 goals and 83 points. Sophomore forward, Maggie Blosser, also contributed

significantly, scoring the first and final goals of the game. Her twin sister, Lily Blosser, assisted

the opening goal, highlighting the Chieftains’ dynamic offensive play. Head coach Alison

Lecesse praised Schneider’s leadership and the team’s cohesion.

The team’s journey to the title was filled with unforgettable experiences. Topsfield’s own

Violet Malinowski, a junior, remembers the bus ride home after their semifinal win against

Mansfield, a game where Masconomet overcame a 1-0 disadvantage to secure a comeback

victory. “We weren’t ready for the season to end,” Malinowski said, “And to top it off, we got

Chick-fil-A on the bus ride home!” The Chieftains faced challenges throughout the season,

including a hard-fought victory against Bishop Feehan. Traveling two hours for the game, the

team defied expectations with a 3-1 win, demonstrating their resilience and teamwork.

Topsfield resident and team member Ada Paglierani, a sophomore, also shared a favorite moment from the season: a Halloween-themed practice where players dressed as characters from movies like Sing and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. “It was such a change of pace from the regular season practice and games, and it occurred right before the start of the intense postseason,” she said. Looking toward the seasons to come, Paglierani is excited to continue “to be a part of such a talented, dedicated, and hardworking group of girls who are so kind and supportive to everyone.”

Over Lecesse’s eight years as head coach, the team has won three consecutive

Northeastern Conference titles, as well as earning four United Soccer Coaches Pinnacle Awards.

For the senior class, the championship win was the perfect ending to an extraordinary four-year

journey; leaving behind an impressive legacy, with a combined record of 74-5-5. While the

seniors will be missed, the underclassmen are eager to carry on the journey. Junior players like

Malinowski look forward to stepping into leadership roles. “I’m excited to be a role model for

the younger players and help them succeed,” she said. Celebrating the Chieftains’ Season The

2024 season wasn’t just about the wins; it was about the bond the players shared and the

memories they created together. From comeback victories to Halloween festivities, the

Chieftains proved that success comes from both talent and teamwork. As the final whistle blew

in Worcester, the crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating not just a championship, but a team that

will be remembered for years to come.

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Individual photos submitted by Shona Blosser.

Team photos by Lauren Benson | laurenbensonphotography.com. Lauren Benson is a sports photographer based in Beverly, MA, with a passion for capturing dynamic moments in youth athletics. She finds joy in the challenge of getting "the shot" that brings the action to life.