Nashoba Regional High grad Alyson Durben put together an outstanding first season for the Lesley University women's softball program this spring. The freshman right fielder from Stow earned North Atlantic Conference Rookie of the Year honors after playing an integral role for a Lesley squad that reached new heights.
Durben was among the nation's leaders in batting average (.468) and had a team-best .806 slugging percentage, 45 runs, 45 RBIs, 18 doubles, 7 triples, and 5 home runs to help the Lynx capture their first NAC championship and qualify for the NCAA's Division 3 tournament for the first time.
Durben went 2 for 5 in the double-elimination tourney; Lesley (30-12) was bumped last week after losing close games to Wellesley (3-2) and Rivier (1-0).
"Allie came in as a strong player offensively and defensively, but she has been much more than the singles hitter I thought she'd be. She became a key player for us very quickly and did well against the best pitchers in our league," said Lesley coach Jen Benway, a Watertown resident who played for the championship team in the Newton Women's Twilight League last summer.
Durben also had a solid season last fall with the Lesley women's soccer team that had a 14-4-1 record, chipping in with 6 goals and 5 assists and earning conference honorable mention.
Mahoney, a four-year starter at shortstop, hit .368 with a home run and 30 RBIs while setting a school single-season record with 50 hits this spring. He also holds six career records at the Maine college, including hits (175), total bases (224), and singles (137). His career batting average was .359, after never hitting below .333 for a season.
He was a standout athlete at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High and at the Lawrenceville School.
Hogan, a second baseman, batted a career-high .337 with 3 home runs and 19 RBIs this spring. He led the team in runs (33) and tied for the lead in homers (3). A multisport athlete at Franklin High, Hogan hit .308 for his college career.
"Brian's records show you what kind of player he's been since Day 1. He was just a tough out," said Bates coach Craig Vandersea.
"Denis was hurt his sophomore year and it took him a while to get back in the swing of things. He did a great job at leadoff and at second base, and had a career day in a win at Tufts with 2 homers and 4 RBIs."
