Field Hockey Stacks MAC Specialty Awards and All-MAC Selections
11/4/2025 5:30:00 PM | Field Hockey
CLEVELAND—The Mid-American Conference released its 2025 Field Hockey Specialty Award Winners and All-Conference Teams on Tuesday. The RedHawks claimed four of the Specialty Award honors and numerous All-MAC selections, becoming the first MAC team to win four specialty awards and the first MAC team to win both Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Head Coach Iñako Puzo was named the MAC Coach of the Year, freshman midfielder Malena Sabez was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year, senior midfielder Berta Mata was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and freshman striker Justina Intzes was named the MAC Freshman of the Year. Additionally, five RedHawks earned All-MAC recognitions: Bet Gifra, Justina Intzes, Berta Mata, Paula Navarro, and Malena Sabez. Gifra, Intzes, and Sabez were also named to the All-Freshman Team, along with freshman back Jülia Fernandez.
Puzo was named the 2025 MAC Coach of the Year after leading the RedHawks to 13 regular-season victories, including eight conference wins. Under Puzo's leadership, the RedHawks won the regular-season MAC title, tied the program record for the most goals scored in a single game (11), and finished the season atop the national standings in numerous statistical categories. The RedHawks lead the nation in goals per game with 4.53, beating out all other teams by more than a half a goal per game. Miami also ranks first in assists per game (4.29), fifth in the nation in penalty corners per game (8.76), and first in scoring margin (3.35). The RedHawks' all-time MAC record under Puzo improved to 85-19 this season, and the RedHawks will head to Harrisonburg this week to try and win their eighth-straight MAC tournament title.
Freshman striker Gifra was selected Second-Team All-MAC. Gifra started 16 games for the RedHawks this season and scored seven goals while assisting on eight. Gifra racked up 25 shots on goal and posted a shot-on-goal percentage of .694. She scored the game-winner in Miami's 7-0 shutout over Kent State and scored twice in Miami's 6-1 victory over St. Francis. Gifra was also named to the All-Freshman Team.
Freshman striker Intzes was selected First-Team All-MAC and named the MAC Freshman of the Year. Intzes finished the season ranked 10th nationally in goals per game (1.06) and second among freshmen after scoring 18 times in 17 games. Intzes received an NFHCA Player of the Week honor during the season after scoring three goals in two key wins over James Madison and Indiana. She also received the MAC Offensive Player of the Week honor that week. Intzes scored one hat trick this season off five shots on goal against Central Michigan en route to an 8-0 shutout. The freshman scored in 11 of Miami's 17 games this season, including six games with multiple scores. Intzes was also named to the MAC All-Freshman Team.
Freshman back Fernandez was selected to the All-Freshman Team. Fernandez was a defensive leader all season for the RedHawks, who shut out seven of their 17 total opponents this season, including six of their nine MAC opponents. Fernandez and the defense allowed just 20 goals all season, holding opponents to 1.18 goals per game. Fernandez helped hold opponents to 7.2 shots per game compared to Miami's 20.5, 66 total shots on goal compared to Miami's 218, and 70 penalty corners compared to Miami's 149. Fernandez also earned the MAC Defensive Player of the Week honor for week six of the season and scored one goal against Bellarmine.
Senior midfielder Mata was selected First-Team All-MAC and named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Mata was crucial in setting up scores for the RedHawks, finishing the regular season with 19 assists to break the previous all-time program record of 17. She also broke the program's career record of 35 by reaching 38 career assists during the final regular-season game of the year against Longwood. Mata also finished second in the nation in assists per game with 1.19 and pushed the RedHawks to finish first in the country in assists per game with 4.29. The next-closest team has 3.60. Mata also scored eight goals of her own, including a hat trick in Miami's 11-0 shutout of Bellarmine and two goals in Miami's 8-0 shutout over Central Michigan. Mata earned the MAC Defensive Player of the Week for the final week of the regular-season after helping put together Miami's sixth MAC shutout and notched one defensive save this season.
Senior midfielder Navarro was selected Second-Team All-MAC. Navarro played a key role on a defense that allowed just 20 goals in 17 games and posted six conference shutouts and seven total shutouts. Navarro and the defense held opponents to 123 total shots this season (7.2 per game) and just 66 shots on goal (3.88 per game) and 70 penalty corners (4.11 per game). On offense, Navarro scored two goals this season, both against Bellarmine, to help produce an 11-0 shutout win. She totaled nine assists, including two in Miami's final game against Longwood, and five shots on goal, including three against Longwood.
Freshman midfielder Sabez was selected First Team All-MAC and named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year. Sabez finished the season ranked fourth in the nation in goals per game (first among freshmen) with 1.24 after scoring 21 goals in 17 games, the most of any freshman in Miami history. Her scoring boosted Miami to lead the nation in goals per game as well, averaging 4.53 goals per game. While also playing strong defense to hold opponents to 20 goals all season, Sabez was an offensive powerhouse on all fronts, leading the RedHawks in goals, shots on goal (51), total shots (83), and points (43). She also leads the MAC in goals, shots, and points. Sabez opened her historic season with two goals over UC Davis in Miami's season opener before going on to score in 12 of the RedHawks' 17 games. This includes five games with multiple scores. Sabez's season was highlighted by a five-goal performance in the RedHawks' 5-0 shutout over Ball State, where Sabez scored all five goals on penalty corners. She also had nine shots on goal during that game. Additionally, Sabez took a season-high 12 shots against Longwood, which included two scores. She was named the Freshman of the Week by Synapse Sports once and was named to the MAC All-Freshman Team.
2025 MAC Field Hockey Postseason Specialty Award Winners
Coach of the Year: Iñako Puzo, Miami
Offensive Player of the Year: Malena Sabez, Freshman, Midfielder, Miami
Defensive Player of the Year: Berta Mata, Senior, Midfielder, Miami
Goalkeeper of the Year: Myrte van Herwijnen, Senior, Massachusetts
Freshman of the Year: Justina Intzes, Striker, Miami
All-MAC First Team
Sophia Baxter, Junior, Midfielder/Defender, App State
Lise Boekaar, Senior, Midfielder, App State
Mallory Camryn, Senior, Forward, Central Michigan
Skyler Brown, Senior, Midfielder, James Madison
Madelief Molier, Sophomore, Forward, James Madison
Alice Roeper, Senior, Forward/Midfielder, James Madison
Gabby Benkenstein, Senior, Midfielder, Massachusetts
Malena Sabez, Freshman, Midfielder, Miami
Justina Intzes, Freshman, Striker, Miami
Berta Mata, Senior, Midfielder, Miami
GK: Myrte van Herwijnen, Senior, Massachusetts
All-MAC Second Team
Hadley Kuzmicky, Senior, Forward, App State
Carolena Ryon, Sophomore, Forward, Central Michigan
Ava Drexler-Amey, Junior, Midfielder, James Madison
Channy Johnson, Junior, Forward, Longwood
Emily Barrett, Freshman, Forward, Massachusetts
Elani Sherwood, Sophomore, Midfielder, Massachusetts
Bet Gifra, Freshman, Striker, Miami
Paula Navarro, Senior, Midfielder, Miami
Sasha Dikolta, Senior, Forward, Ohio
Tiana Nhamoinesu, Freshman, Forward, Ohio
Anouk Plaehn, Senior, Back, Ohio
GK: Ashley Cogger, Graduate, Central Michigan
All-Freshman Team
Jade Vandevoorde, Midfielder, Ball State
Mora Rulli, Midfielder, Central Michigan
Puck Jansen, Defender, James Madison
Emily Barrett, Forward, Massachusetts
Fiene Jenniskens, Midfielder, Massachusetts
Lina Kroeger, Defender, Massachusetts
Jülia Fernandez, Back, Miami
Bet Gifra, Striker, Miami
Justina Intzes, Striker, Miami
Malena Sabez, Midfielder, Miami
Tiana Nhamoinesu, Forward, Ohio
Head Coach Iñako Puzo was named the MAC Coach of the Year, freshman midfielder Malena Sabez was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year, senior midfielder Berta Mata was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and freshman striker Justina Intzes was named the MAC Freshman of the Year. Additionally, five RedHawks earned All-MAC recognitions: Bet Gifra, Justina Intzes, Berta Mata, Paula Navarro, and Malena Sabez. Gifra, Intzes, and Sabez were also named to the All-Freshman Team, along with freshman back Jülia Fernandez.
Puzo was named the 2025 MAC Coach of the Year after leading the RedHawks to 13 regular-season victories, including eight conference wins. Under Puzo's leadership, the RedHawks won the regular-season MAC title, tied the program record for the most goals scored in a single game (11), and finished the season atop the national standings in numerous statistical categories. The RedHawks lead the nation in goals per game with 4.53, beating out all other teams by more than a half a goal per game. Miami also ranks first in assists per game (4.29), fifth in the nation in penalty corners per game (8.76), and first in scoring margin (3.35). The RedHawks' all-time MAC record under Puzo improved to 85-19 this season, and the RedHawks will head to Harrisonburg this week to try and win their eighth-straight MAC tournament title.
Freshman striker Gifra was selected Second-Team All-MAC. Gifra started 16 games for the RedHawks this season and scored seven goals while assisting on eight. Gifra racked up 25 shots on goal and posted a shot-on-goal percentage of .694. She scored the game-winner in Miami's 7-0 shutout over Kent State and scored twice in Miami's 6-1 victory over St. Francis. Gifra was also named to the All-Freshman Team.
Freshman striker Intzes was selected First-Team All-MAC and named the MAC Freshman of the Year. Intzes finished the season ranked 10th nationally in goals per game (1.06) and second among freshmen after scoring 18 times in 17 games. Intzes received an NFHCA Player of the Week honor during the season after scoring three goals in two key wins over James Madison and Indiana. She also received the MAC Offensive Player of the Week honor that week. Intzes scored one hat trick this season off five shots on goal against Central Michigan en route to an 8-0 shutout. The freshman scored in 11 of Miami's 17 games this season, including six games with multiple scores. Intzes was also named to the MAC All-Freshman Team.
Freshman back Fernandez was selected to the All-Freshman Team. Fernandez was a defensive leader all season for the RedHawks, who shut out seven of their 17 total opponents this season, including six of their nine MAC opponents. Fernandez and the defense allowed just 20 goals all season, holding opponents to 1.18 goals per game. Fernandez helped hold opponents to 7.2 shots per game compared to Miami's 20.5, 66 total shots on goal compared to Miami's 218, and 70 penalty corners compared to Miami's 149. Fernandez also earned the MAC Defensive Player of the Week honor for week six of the season and scored one goal against Bellarmine.
Senior midfielder Mata was selected First-Team All-MAC and named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Mata was crucial in setting up scores for the RedHawks, finishing the regular season with 19 assists to break the previous all-time program record of 17. She also broke the program's career record of 35 by reaching 38 career assists during the final regular-season game of the year against Longwood. Mata also finished second in the nation in assists per game with 1.19 and pushed the RedHawks to finish first in the country in assists per game with 4.29. The next-closest team has 3.60. Mata also scored eight goals of her own, including a hat trick in Miami's 11-0 shutout of Bellarmine and two goals in Miami's 8-0 shutout over Central Michigan. Mata earned the MAC Defensive Player of the Week for the final week of the regular-season after helping put together Miami's sixth MAC shutout and notched one defensive save this season.
Senior midfielder Navarro was selected Second-Team All-MAC. Navarro played a key role on a defense that allowed just 20 goals in 17 games and posted six conference shutouts and seven total shutouts. Navarro and the defense held opponents to 123 total shots this season (7.2 per game) and just 66 shots on goal (3.88 per game) and 70 penalty corners (4.11 per game). On offense, Navarro scored two goals this season, both against Bellarmine, to help produce an 11-0 shutout win. She totaled nine assists, including two in Miami's final game against Longwood, and five shots on goal, including three against Longwood.
Freshman midfielder Sabez was selected First Team All-MAC and named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year. Sabez finished the season ranked fourth in the nation in goals per game (first among freshmen) with 1.24 after scoring 21 goals in 17 games, the most of any freshman in Miami history. Her scoring boosted Miami to lead the nation in goals per game as well, averaging 4.53 goals per game. While also playing strong defense to hold opponents to 20 goals all season, Sabez was an offensive powerhouse on all fronts, leading the RedHawks in goals, shots on goal (51), total shots (83), and points (43). She also leads the MAC in goals, shots, and points. Sabez opened her historic season with two goals over UC Davis in Miami's season opener before going on to score in 12 of the RedHawks' 17 games. This includes five games with multiple scores. Sabez's season was highlighted by a five-goal performance in the RedHawks' 5-0 shutout over Ball State, where Sabez scored all five goals on penalty corners. She also had nine shots on goal during that game. Additionally, Sabez took a season-high 12 shots against Longwood, which included two scores. She was named the Freshman of the Week by Synapse Sports once and was named to the MAC All-Freshman Team.
2025 MAC Field Hockey Postseason Specialty Award Winners
Coach of the Year: Iñako Puzo, Miami
Offensive Player of the Year: Malena Sabez, Freshman, Midfielder, Miami
Defensive Player of the Year: Berta Mata, Senior, Midfielder, Miami
Goalkeeper of the Year: Myrte van Herwijnen, Senior, Massachusetts
Freshman of the Year: Justina Intzes, Striker, Miami
All-MAC First Team
Sophia Baxter, Junior, Midfielder/Defender, App State
Lise Boekaar, Senior, Midfielder, App State
Mallory Camryn, Senior, Forward, Central Michigan
Skyler Brown, Senior, Midfielder, James Madison
Madelief Molier, Sophomore, Forward, James Madison
Alice Roeper, Senior, Forward/Midfielder, James Madison
Gabby Benkenstein, Senior, Midfielder, Massachusetts
Malena Sabez, Freshman, Midfielder, Miami
Justina Intzes, Freshman, Striker, Miami
Berta Mata, Senior, Midfielder, Miami
GK: Myrte van Herwijnen, Senior, Massachusetts
All-MAC Second Team
Hadley Kuzmicky, Senior, Forward, App State
Carolena Ryon, Sophomore, Forward, Central Michigan
Ava Drexler-Amey, Junior, Midfielder, James Madison
Channy Johnson, Junior, Forward, Longwood
Emily Barrett, Freshman, Forward, Massachusetts
Elani Sherwood, Sophomore, Midfielder, Massachusetts
Bet Gifra, Freshman, Striker, Miami
Paula Navarro, Senior, Midfielder, Miami
Sasha Dikolta, Senior, Forward, Ohio
Tiana Nhamoinesu, Freshman, Forward, Ohio
Anouk Plaehn, Senior, Back, Ohio
GK: Ashley Cogger, Graduate, Central Michigan
All-Freshman Team
Jade Vandevoorde, Midfielder, Ball State
Mora Rulli, Midfielder, Central Michigan
Puck Jansen, Defender, James Madison
Emily Barrett, Forward, Massachusetts
Fiene Jenniskens, Midfielder, Massachusetts
Lina Kroeger, Defender, Massachusetts
Jülia Fernandez, Back, Miami
Bet Gifra, Striker, Miami
Justina Intzes, Striker, Miami
Malena Sabez, Midfielder, Miami
Tiana Nhamoinesu, Forward, Ohio
Players Mentioned
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