WESTFIELD, Mass. – The Rivier women's ice hockey program had seven members earn Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) postseason awards, highlight by second-year head coach Marykate Drinkwater and first-year forward Chloe Bryda.

Drinkwater was named the BSN Sports Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season, while Bryda earned MASCAC Player of the Year, Rookie of the year, and a spot on the All-Conference First-Team.

Senior defender Olivia Schultz joined Bryda on the All-Conference First Team, earning the first conference honor of her career. First-year forwards Lexi Davies and Mary Kelley, junior goaltender Taylor Bruno, and senior defender Molly Dukesherer each earned All-Conference Second Team honors.

Drinkwater's Coach of the Year award nod comes following the team's most successful season in program history. The team ended the 2025-26 campaign with an overall record of 17-10-0, surpassing the 2024-25 season, and earned another appearance in the MASCAC Championship game.

In conference play, the Raiders posted an 8-4-0 record, earning the No. 2 seed in the MASCAC Tournament, reaching the championship round following a dominate 4-1 home semifinal victory over No. 3 Salem St. (Feb. 27).

The team's historic season came to a close on Saturday, March 6, falling to No.1 Worcester St. in the MASCAC Championship.

As a team, Rivier lead the MASCAC in goals (77), goals per game (2.96), assists (100), power-play goals (18), and power-play percentage (20.7%), while also tying for the league lead in shorthanded goals (5). Defensively, the Raiders remained among the conference's top units, ranking second in goals-against average (1.98), saves (866), and save percentage (.943), while allowing the third-fewest goals (52) during the season.

Rivier's success also translated to strong national rankings. The Raiders finished 26th in the country in total goals and 24th in assists, while their 18 power-play goals were tied for 11th nationally and their power-play percentage ranked 15th. Averaging 2.96 goals per game across 27 contests, Rivier ranked 18th nationally, while also finishing tied for second in shorthanded goals. The Raiders additionally ranked 22nd in total points, recorded 866 saves, and placed 25th in winning percentage.

Bryda earned two of the conference's top honors following an outstanding rookie campaign. The Cumberland, R.I. native led the MASCAC with 28 points, totaling 16 goals and 12 assists during the regular season. Five of her goals proved to be game-winners, tied for the fifth-most in the nation, while her 0.62 goals-per-game average ranked 26th nationally. Bryda also made an impact defensively, finishing the year with a +14 plus/minus rating.

Schultz capped her senior season with a career-best 13 points behind four goals and nine assists. The Albuquerque, N.M. native skated in 24 games and posted a +6 plus/minus rating while anchoring the Raiders' defensive unit. She also reached a career milestone during the season, appearing in her 100th career game in the MASCAC Championship.

Between the pipes, Bruno established herself as one of the conference's top goaltenders. The Methuen, Mass. native recorded a .950 save percentage and a 1.70 goals-against average, both ranking second in the conference. Bruno turned aside 569 shots across 19 appearances, the third-highest total in the league, while compiling an 11-7-0 record in 18 starts, including a 7-4 mark in conference play.

Dukesherer concluded her collegiate career with 10 points on one goal and nine assists while adding a +8 plus/minus rating from the blue line. The Richland, Mich. product also secured her second consecutive All-Conference selection.

Davies made an immediate impact in her first collegiate season, appearing in 22 games and totaling nine goals and three assists. She closed the year with a +6 plus/minus rating.

Kelley was another key contributor to the Raiders' offense, finishing with 13 points on four goals and nine assists to tie for the second-highest total on the team. Her +14 plus/minus rating also led the conference.

Drinkwater and the Raiders will look to continue their pursuit of a MASCAC title during the 2026–27 season.