SALEM NEWS FIELD HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR
AVA GAUVAIN
Masconomet Senior
Forward
Ava Gauvain had been a solid, dependable player up up front for the Chieftains prior to her senior year. But asked to step up her offense this fall, the Boxford native did so … and in the process exceeded all expectations.
Gauvain scored a North Shore leading 32 goals and 44 points, guiding Masconomet to another Northeastern Conference championship. She also led the region by scoring a hat trick in six different games — including against powerhouse program Manchester Essex, plus another in the Division 2 state tournament against North Attleboro.
Chosen as the Most Valuable Player in the NEC, Gauvain was an easy All-Conference selection. She used her athleticism, speed and outstanding stick skills to quickly transition the ball into the offensive end, blow past defenders and get shots on net; she could also plant herself out front for rebounds.
A forward who could also play in the midfield, Gauvain will continue her career in college, playing at the Division 1 level for Stonehill and studying biochemistry. She’ll leave Masconomet having scored 39 goals, 20 assists and 59 points in her high school career.
An outstanding student who carries a 4.41 grade point average, Gauvain said her siblings — particularly her sister, who introduce her to the sport — helped foster her love of field hockey.