MARLBOROUGH, Mass. - The NEWMAC has announced its Athlete of the Week honorees for the week ending February 22, 2026, and Salve Regina University sophomore goalie Mary Flynn Kayajan (Hyannis, Mass.) has been selected as the Defensive Player of the Week for women's lacrosse.
Kayajan totaled 15 saves, along with two ground balls and a caused turnover, as the Seahawks picked up a 9-8 win over Bridgewater State on opening day of the 2026 season.
"I am so proud of Flynn – 15 saves in a big game is no small feat," said head women's lacrosse coach Meg Malloy. "Her composure, toughness, and ability to come up with momentum-changing stops gave our team so much confidence. She absolutely earned this recognition."
Salve Regina starts the season off with a win and will travel to play Colby-Sawyer College on Saturday, February 28, at 12 p.m.
About the NEWMAC
The NEWMAC is an association of 12 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, United States Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Salve Regina University, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an educational and respectful environment that embodies the NCAA Division III Philosophy. The conference also partners with four Associate Members: Norwich University (Football), Simmons College (Rowing), SUNY Maritime College (Football), and United States Merchant Marine Academy (Football), while sponsoring 20 sports.
